Stepping into Brighton’s Royal Pavilion under a sea of flickering candles felt instantly enchanting. The glow from hundreds of tiny lights transformed the ornate music room into something serene and dreamlike. As the string quartet began to play, the familiar themes of Hans Zimmer took on a whole new dimension. With the only illumination coming from the candles, the atmosphere became intimate, immersive, and almost hypnotic. Every seat had a good view, and the acoustics in the room were crisp and clear, allowing the sound of the instruments to carry beautifully. The entire setting – from the warm welcome at the door to the elegance of the venue – added to the sense that this was something special.
From the opening notes of Inception to the soaring melodies of Gladiator, the performance brought goosebumps and moments of deep stillness. Each piece stirred something different – awe, nostalgia, even tears – and the reactions around the room mirrored the emotion in the music. Some people closed their eyes and simply took it in, while others nodded or smiled as they recognized scores from The Lion King, Dune, Wonder Woman, and more. The transitions from dramatic to delicate were seamless. When the musicians closed with the powerful Time, it felt like a collective breath held – and finally released with long applause.
What made this experience stand out wasn’t just the music. It was the format: a world-class string quartet, playing iconic film scores, by candlelight, in one of Brighton’s most beautiful historic buildings. No screens, no lights – just pure sound and atmosphere. It felt both fresh and timeless. For someone who’s used to festivals, big crowds, or loud concerts, this was completely different – stripped back, but no less powerful. Hearing these epic themes played on strings, live, without amplification, added emotion and clarity I didn’t expect.
For a summer evening, it couldn’t have been better. Instead of another open-air event or noisy venue, this felt like stepping into a hidden world. It was calm, moving, and deeply memorable. Even as someone who sees a lot of live music, this stood out. It’s hard to explain just how magical it is to sit in near-darkness, surrounded by candlelight, and hear the pulse of Zimmer’s music come alive in such an intimate way. By the end, I was already thinking about coming back. It wasn’t just a concert – it was a moment I wanted to hold on to.
Published on 29 July 2025 by Ben Robinson
