Candlelight Concert - Tribute to A R Rahman

Candlelight Concerts - A Tribute to A R Rahman

Instrumental 
~ 65 mins

Performers:

 Flute: Shadaj Godkhindi

 Keyboard: Vivek Santosh

 Tabla/Percussions: Rupak Kallurkar

Venue - Alliance Francaise, Bangalore

Candlelight is a relatively new global concept of live performances (mostly instrumental) spanning jazz, classical, film, and pop music, all set in an intimate setting illuminated by a sea of LED candles (you didn’t expect real ones, did you?). The candles add to the surreal charm of the experience.

These performances have also made their way to India, with shows in multiple cities, featuring everything from Western classical music to tributes to artists like R.D. Burman, A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Coldplay, and more. We attended one of these concerts a couple of weeks ago at the Alliance Française.

The show started on time and lasted about 60–65 minutes. It was a non-stop performance, with no filming or photography allowed until the final act.

Track List:

• Ghanan Ghanan – Lagaan

• Jiya Jale – Dil Se

• Ye Haseen Vaadiyan / Pudhu Vellai Mazhai / Kaadhal Rojave / Roja Jaaneman – Roja

• Jashn-e-Bahara – Jodhaa Akbar – Mellifluous

• Yun Hi Chala Chal – Swades

• Tu Hi Re / Uyire – Bombay – Transformative

• Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na – Title song – A brilliant jazz rendition

• Vida Karo – Amar Singh Chamkila – Melancholic

• Saathiya / Pacchai Nirame – Alaipaayuthey / Saathiya – Lovely crescendo

The musicians delivered a wonderful performance, showcasing great energy and variation. The flute took center stage in our show (though I would have loved Kun Faya Kun or Agar Tum Saath Ho, but we got Vida Karo instead!). The keyboard and percussions provided excellent support, adding depth to the experience.

The small gathering, with an audience of not more than 150 knowledgeable and respectful attendees, made it a lovely experience. We were even invited to sing along—and we gleefully joined in! ( I was able to match the pitch, which felt good!)

Some snippets from their final performance on Saathiya / Pacchai Nirame

Please click here to know their next concerts and book your tickets. I will sign up for an RD Burman show sometime this year and i look forward to it.