Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
At the Living Water Church in Poughkeepsie, the classical notes of the Highline String Quartet breathed new life into the melodies of Coldplay, a British rock band. Many couples were drawn to this unique experience on Friday, February 23rd, 2024
The concert offered a different lens through which to appreciate Coldplay’s music, creating a simple yet compelling setting for couples like the Coallas to share a multi-sensory musical experience. Candlelight concerts create a captivating atmosphere, offering a breathtaking shimmering ambiance that brings joy and emotion to audiences.
Couple Taylor and Blake Coalla were newlyweds seeking to reminisce about their wedding day. When asked if there’s a specific memory or emotion associated with Coldplay’s music, Mrs. Coalla explained that she and her husband are huge Coldplay fans. They played multiple Coldplay songs at their wedding, so when she saw the event’s ad on TikTok, she knew they had to attend.
“We got married last year. We played ‘Sky Full of Stars,’ and he walked down to ‘Yellow,’” said Mrs. Coalla, smiling at her husband.
When asked how the Highline String Quartet’s classical take on Coldplay’s music adds a new dimension to the concert experience for them, Mrs. Coalla replied, “Honestly, I think it’ll make it sound even better. Coldplay is calming music, so the orchestral style will make it even better.”
Taylor and Blake Coalla, who have been together for 11 years, celebrated their wedding on March 24th last year. However, they weren’t the only couple sharing a memory with Coldplay; Michelle DeGraff, accompanied by her partner Michael Lafarge, also associates a memory with Coldplay’s music.
“For me, I would say yes, I do. I have a specific song that reminds me of someone from my past,” said DeGraff. “It’s one that captivates me; I’m always hooked once I start hearing it.”
When asked how she thought the Highline String Quartet’s classical take on Coldplay’s music could make this experience different, DeGraff said, “I think it’s going to be quite interesting not to have words to it and to feel the music and the range of emotions — I want to see how I’m going to take it, or how my emotions will feel towards the songs.”
DeGraff discussed how the acoustic setting of a string quartet and the visual impact of candles would deepen her appreciation for the storytelling within Coldplay’s songs. DeGraff then revealed that the captivating song she was referring to is “Fix You” from Coldplay’s third album X&Y and that the person from her past is her sister who, unfortunately, passed away.
To DeGraff’s surprise, “Fix You” was one of the twelve songs played that evening.
The Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay event not only provided an intimate setting for couples to share a romantic evening but also offered a heartwarming experience for families to come together, bask in the cozy ambiance, and enjoy the musical warmth of the Highline String Quartet.
Gina Juno, 50, has been an OG fan of Coldplay since their debut studio album, Parachutes, was released in 2000. That evening she spent time with her 12-year-old son.
“I took my son to his first Coldplay concert, and he loved it, so it’s kind of our thing; that’s why we are here,” said Juno.
As a fan of Coldplay’s “oldies,” Juno expressed that she was eagerly looking forward to hearing “Clocks” and “Yellow” and being able to share that moment with her son.
Like Juno, Richard Evans, 51, brought his family to spend quality time in the ambient glow of the candlelight.
“I think Coldplay’s music might translate well into classical because it’s all strings, so I think it might translate well. We’re really looking forward to hearing ‘Clocks,’” said Evans.
“I’ve always been a fan; their music reminds me of when I was younger, having fun and being with friends, so it’s definitely going to be a very nostalgic night,” added Evans’ wife.
“Viva La Vida” from Coldplay’s fourth album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, was another song Evans’ family was looking forward to hearing. However, upon learning that the song was not included in the program, a collective sigh of disappointment swept through them.
But, it was their lucky night because right after the Highline String Quartet finished playing “A Sky Full of Stars,” they received a standing ovation for almost a minute; they surprised the audience by playing one more song. The final song ended up being one of Coldplay’s old-time favorites:
“Viva La Vida”
The Highline String Quartet seeks to break away from the traditional image of classical music by prioritizing the audience’s experience. The group performs both classical music and original arrangements of popular non-classical songs by their in-house composer. They’re one of the most in-demand quartets in New York City for weddings, parties, and special events.
