Candlelight Concert in Manhattan

By David T. Valentin

With a vaccine on the way for many people throughout the next few months, it seems we could be returning to some form of normalcy quite soon. And while we might gradually see events such as indoor dining, small movie gatherings, and bars opening back up after some progress with the vaccine, larger gatherings such as concerts, raves, and festivals probably won’t make a comeback just as fast as other industries. Still, that doesn’t mean that live music is dead.

Fever, a tourist company that specializes in planning on a night out in either your home city or a visiting city easier by providing, has begun their Candlelight Concerts around numerous cities. On the Mondrian Terrace, located above Park Avenue and 30th Street in Manhattan, Fever sets up a row of seats, electric candles on the floor, lights strung up from the balcony railing to the roof, and a warm, protective igloo for small ensembles to play in. The venue also provides a choice of truffled popcorn or an assorted bowl of olives, along with a drink menu and a bar you can order from. Though, if you’re ordering from the bar, I’d only recommend a single drink as they are quite expensive.

For those worried about the increasingly cold days, I’d recommend dressing warm; however, they do provide you with a heater to your back that does get quite toasty. If you want to go with friends, get there early to get a group of seats that are relatively close, considering that seating is set up in pairs.

The experience is intimate, but not too intimate, and is a great way to just look out at the city skyline and doze off while listening to classical music from classical composers from all over the world, from all time periods.

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to take a trip up above Manhattan’s City skyline and step out on the Mondrian Terrace to see what this Candlelight concert is all about. For the night, the concert focus was titled “Candlelight Open Air: Winter Classics Featuring Tchaikovsky & Vivaldi.” The ensemble playing was the Highlight String Quartet, a group of passionate musicians who “host ticketed events in NYC at nontraditional concert vendors such as lofts, art galleries, and studios.”

If you’re interested in attending, I’d buy tickets quickly. Tickets go quick and in order to maintain COVID guidelines seats are limited. But I wouldn’t worry too much. Fever has plenty of upcoming concerts with multiple days that you can schedule. Here’s a link to the site, https://feverup.com/m/94944