Ignite Concerts’ Candlelit Valentine’s Event: A Night of Romance and Melody
Love was in the air at the recent Candlelit Valentine’s event hosted by Ignite Concerts at the historic Guildhall. Set against the backdrop of the Guildhall’s rich history, dating back to the 15th century, the evening promised an enchanting blend of music and romance.
The night began with Alistair Griffin taking the stage solo, accompanied by piano, crooning soulfully through classics like “Your Song” by Elton John and “She” by Elvis Costello. Griffin hinted at a theme inspired by the romantic comedies of Hugh Grant, setting the tone for the evening’s repertoire.
Following Griffin’s captivating performance, the Ebor Quartet graced the stage with a mix of old and new love songs, serenading the audience with their melodic harmonies. The quartet transitioned with ease from the classical “Salut D’Amour” by Elgar to “Kissing You” by Sade from the film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. After Elvis’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” they rounded off the first half with a truly stirring version of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born. It was a magical display from the now seasoned York players.
At half time there was a surprise in store. Ignite who partner with local businesses to bring that little bit extra to their shows gave away a meal for two with champagne at The Ivy. Handily just across the road from the Guildhall, a newly married couple were the lucky winners.
The second half of the evening saw Griffin return to the stage, delivering a poignant acoustic rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” before being joined by solo violinist Emily Jones. Jones brought her magic to the ensemble, starting with the evocative “When You Say Nothing at All” and culminating with a mesmerizing performance of “Rule the World” by Take That.
A highlight of the night was a touching moment dedicated to Ellen and Frank Matthewman, celebrating an astounding 63 years of marriage. The heartfelt tribute brought tears to the eyes of many and sparked a wave of applause that reverberated throughout the Guildhall.
As the event drew to a close, the Ebor Quartet rejoined Griffin on stage, along with Emily Jones, for a romantic crescendo of classics including “Only You”, “Chasing Cars”, and a sing-along finale to “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”.
Ignite front man Alistair shared, “We’re a small company and we pride ourselves on being able to give the personal touch. It was lovely to be able to give Ellen and Frank a shoutout and a little bit of VIP treatment.”
Ignite Concerts once again demonstrated their commitment to delivering unforgettable musical experiences, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a longing for the next enchanting performance.
