Film and TV series with great soundtracks have the power to make a scene, and when done right, they can capture the emotional essence of the story. A memorable theme or melody can become synonymous with the characters and the story they inhabit, etching its way into popular culture. And Candlelight has a unique way for you to experience epic soundtracks.
To celebrate this crucial part of filmmaking, Candlelight concerts in Cincinnati pay tribute to some of the most iconic soundtracks in film and anime history at some of the most breathtaking venues for a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Familiar instrumental covers from Bridgerton, Shondaland’s hit series on Netflix, horror movie soundtracks, and seasonal specials like Valentine’s Day performances inspired by loved-up music from even more loved-up movies are some of the film score concerts cinephiles can expect.
Featured soundtrack tribute concert
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
The spooky season is creeping ever closer and Candlelight Halloween is here to entertain. The most Halloweeny of tributes is coming to Cincinnati and you simply can’t afford to miss it. Hear the likes of ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson, ‘Tubular Bells’ from The Exorcist, the themes from Halloween, Psycho and much more by the eerie flicker of candles performed by a talented string quartet, Something wicked this way comes!
All upcoming Candlelight soundtrack tribute concerts
Where to see live film score concerts in Cincinnati
The Candlelight series illuminates venues like The Transept, Woodward Theater, and Bell Event Center with incredibly uplifting and deeply moving concerts. Let yourself be transported to the movies as a string quartet performs iconic compositions from universally beloved films. Even Cincinnati Music Hall, Riverbend Music Center, and the Aronoff Center for the Arts have hosted other film score tributes—a testament to the enduring popularity of film music as a genre.
The music tells you what’s going on in the actor’s heart. If you don’t feel that, then it’s the wrong music. — Quincy Jones
How do great soundtracks help storytelling in film?
The best film soundtracks can make a movie unforgettable, turning good scenes into iconic ones. Music has this amazing way of sneaking into your emotions—whether it’s a haunting melody that gives you goosebumps during a hero’s big moment or a heartbreaking one. It sets the mood, builds tension, and even tells you how to feel without saying a word. A great soundtrack doesn’t just sit in the background; it becomes part of the story, pulling you in deeper and making every moment stick with you long after the credits roll.
A fun film score fact
John Williams, the genius behind the Star Wars music, uses a trick called leitmotif, where certain themes represent characters or ideas. For example, Darth Vader’s theme (the Imperial March) was actually hinted at in the first Star Wars movie, even though it wasn’t fully introduced until the next film. It’s like foreshadowing, but with music.