Candlelight Concerts Illuminate Lyon’s Historic Venues in March 2026
Lyon, France – The enchanting Candlelight Concert series is making its highly anticipated return to Lyon throughout March 2026, promising a magical and intimate musical experience. These unique performances, set against the backdrop of thousands of flickering candles, will take place in some of Lyon’s most beautiful chapels and basilicas, offering a fresh perspective on beloved musical works.
The program for March 2026 is exceptionally varied, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. From the pop anthems of ABBA and the rock legends Queen, to the soulful melodies of Ed Sheeran and Adele, and the cinematic grandeur of Hans Zimmer’s scores, there is a performance for every enthusiast. Classical music lovers will also be treated to timeless compositions by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin.
A Diverse Program Across Iconic Lyon Locations
The concerts will be hosted in several of Lyon’s most architecturally significant venues, including the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure, the Chapelle de la Trinité, and the Église Saint-Bruno des Chartreux, each providing an exceptional acoustic and atmospheric setting for these unique musical events.
Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA – ‘Dancing Queen’ Under the Arches
The Candlelight tribute to ABBA will kick off the series at the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure, running from March 1 to April 12, 2026. A solo piano will reinterpret the Swedish quartet’s legendary hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’, in a hushed, intimate atmosphere. This performance is expected to be a popular opening to Lyon’s Candlelight season.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen – ‘We Will Rock You’ in Contemplative Style
On March 20, 2026, the Chapelle de la Trinité will host a Candlelight tribute to Queen. Iconic songs like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are the Champions’ will resonate through the chapel, performed on an intimate piano, highlighting the melodic richness of Freddie Mercury’s repertoire.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran – ‘Perfect’ in an Elegant Rendition
The majestic Basilique Saint-Bonaventure will welcome a Candlelight tribute to Ed Sheeran on March 8, 2026. The British troubadour’s pop-folk melodies, such as ‘Perfect’ and ‘Shape of You’, will gain a new dimension under the Gothic arches, showcasing the harmonic depth of his compositions.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Jean-Jacques Goldman – ‘Je te donne’ Revisited
From March 1 to April 17, 2026, the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure will also celebrate French singer-songwriter Jean-Jacques Goldman. Cyril van Ginneken will perform piano reinterpretations of Goldman’s classics, including ‘Je te donne’ and ‘Envole-moi’, appealing to fans of French chanson.
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ – Baroque Art at its Peak
On March 8, 2026, the Église Saint-Bruno des Chartreux will be transformed for a performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’. The Yako Quartet will guide listeners through the four legendary concertos, from the passion of Spring to the chill of Winter, highlighting the power of the Candlelight concept to magnify musical heritage.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele – ‘Rolling in the Deep’ Chamber Music Version
The Chapelle de la Trinité will host a Candlelight tribute to Adele on March 21, 2026. The Arta Balarta string quartet will reinterpret global hits like ‘Hello’ and ‘Rolling in the Deep’, revealing the emotional depth of Adele’s compositions through sophisticated chamber music arrangements.
Candlelight: From Mozart to Chopin – A Journey into Romanticism
From March 20 to April 19, 2026, the Basilique Saint-Bonaventure will offer a musical journey from Mozart to Chopin. The Duo Pulsation (piano and cello) will guide music lovers from the classical period to the dawn of romanticism, performing works from Mozart’s Turkish March to Chopin’s nocturnes.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Hans Zimmer – Cinematic Epics in an Intimate Setting
Closing this exceptional program, the Chapelle de la Trinité will host a Candlelight tribute to Hans Zimmer from March 19 to April 11, 2026. The Élément Quartet will revisit the German composer’s legendary film scores, from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ to ‘Interstellar’, presenting these cinematic masterpieces in a chamber music style.
Tickets for these unique events are limited, and early booking is highly recommended to ensure participation in these intimate musical rediscoveries.
Source: https://www.jds.fr/lyon/magazine/actu/lyon-les-concerts-candlelight-a-ne-pas-manquer-en-mars-2026-1395594_A
