Photograph BY EMILIO MADRID
Becca Malech’s love for classical music runs deep. As she fondly recalls during a Zoom interview from her home in Chicago, classical melodies were part of her upbringing in California from a young age. “My grandmother and I would listen to classical music together,” she says. “It became the backdrop of my life, whether I was falling asleep or doing homework. It was a profound connection for us.”
Today, Malech finds herself creating musical memories for a wider audience as associate producer for Candlelight Concerts, presented by the global live-entertainment discovery platform Fever. The company also produces Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, which has been running since June in downtown Cincinnati, and other art- and history-themed touring shows. Malech talks about how she orchestrates enchanting concerts that bask in the warm, captivating glow of candlelight.
What types of music do audiences experience at a Candlelight Concert?
While classical music is a significant part of our repertoire, we’ve expanded to include a wide range of genres. Our programs feature tributes to iconic artists like Queen, ABBA, and Taylor Swift performed by talented string quartets. We aim to strike a balance between classic compositions and more contemporary pieces to cater to a broad audience.
How does the ambiance of candlelight contribute to the overall experience?
The use of candles is about creating a unique, magical atmosphere. We wanted to take classical music out of traditional concert halls and into distinctive spaces with rich cultural backgrounds and architectural significance. The addition of candles intensifies the emotional experience. When you walk into a candlelit room, it sets the stage for an extraordinary musical journey. [Editor’s note: Because of indoor fire/smoke restrictions, the candles are electric or battery-powered.]
How do you select your rotating venues in Cincinnati?
We like to have a diverse range of spaces, from historic landmarks to places with unique architectural features. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting venues that will pique the interest of potential attendees. Our goal is to keep the experience fresh and captivating. Recent Cincinnati shows have been held at Memorial Hall, Rhinegeist Brewery, Verdin’s Bell Event Centre, and the Woodward Theater.
How do musicians interact with audiences during the performances?
Our musicians actively engage between songs, sharing interesting facts about the composers, offering insights into the artists, and connecting the pieces thematically. The interactive approach makes Candlelight concerts more intimate and educational than traditional classical shows.
Speaking of the audience, Candlelight apparently attracts a younger crowd.
We have drawn a younger audience, with about 70 percent of our attendees being under the age of 40. That’s a refreshing change from the traditional classical concert scene. We also see multi-generational attendance, with parents bringing their children to share in the experience.
You say that Candlelight likes to engage local talent. Why is that important?
Showcasing local talent is vital to us because every city has its own unique artistic community, and we want to provide a platform for local musicians and artists to shine. It adds a special touch to our concerts and allows us to connect with the local culture and heritage. We use various methods to discover talent in Cincinnati, but one of our primary tools is Instagram. We conduct extensive research on the platform to identify promising musicians and artists. We’re fortunate to collaborate with an exceptional quartet there, String Source, who specialize in performing at weddings. Additionally, we work closely with Listeso Music Group, a well-connected boutique agency that helps us establish connections with Cincinnati-based artists.
You had a special way of bonding with your grandmother. How did this passion for classical music lead you to join Candlelight?
When I moved to Chicago in 2021, I had the opportunity to work with Candlelight and was instantly captivated by Fever’s mission to make classical music more accessible. I wanted to be a part of creating experiences that could introduce classical music to a wider audience and make it feel magical and special for those who might not have considered it before.
Upcoming Candlelight concerts include Pink Floyd November 10 at the Woodward Theater, Bach to The Beatles November 14 at Rhinegeist, Queen November 16 at Rhinegeist, ABBA November 16 at Memorial Hall, and Adele and Taylor Swift November 29 at Bell Event Centre. Get details here.
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