Candlelight Concert Pits Coldplay Against Imagine Dragons at MLK Library
Washington DC's classical music scene gets a contemporary twist as the popular Candlelight concert series returns to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library with an exciting musical showdown - Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons. This unique event combines the intimate ambiance of candlelight with the infectious energy of two of the biggest bands in modern pop and alternative rock.
The concert takes place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, a venue that has recently undergone extensive renovations to blend its rich history with modern amenities. The library's renovated spaces provide an elegant backdrop for these innovative performances, where hundreds of flickering candles transform the venue into a magical setting. The soft glow creates an atmosphere that enhances the emotional connection between performers and audience, making familiar songs feel both intimate and grand.
The Listeso String Quartet will bring their classical training and contemporary sensibilities to bear on some of the most recognizable hits from both Coldplay and Imagine Dragons. The tentative program promises an evening of alternating energy, featuring Coldplay's anthemic tracks like "Viva la Vida," "Fix You," and "The Scientist" alongside Imagine Dragons' powerhouse songs including "Believer," "Radioactive," and "Bad Liar." The quartet's interpretation will showcase how these modern pop-rock compositions translate beautifully to classical strings, revealing the sophisticated musicality underlying their radio-friendly melodies.
The evening's setlist reads like a greatest hits collection spanning over two decades of chart-topping music. Coldplay contributions include "Clocks," the collaboration "Something Just Like This," and newer tracks like "feelslikeimfallinginlove" and "Sky Full of Stars," which should sound particularly enchanting in the candlelit setting. Imagine Dragons brings their own arsenal of hits including "Eyes Closed," "Nice to Meet You," and "Follow You." The alternating format creates a natural musical conversation between the two bands' distinct styles, with Coldplay's more melodic and atmospheric approach playing off Imagine Dragons' driving rhythms and stadium-rock energy.
Candlelight concerts have gained tremendous popularity for reimagining contemporary music through the lens of classical performance. The series has found success by stripping away the production elements of modern concerts and focusing purely on the music itself. When you hear "Radioactive" or "Adventure of a Lifetime" performed by a string quartet in the glow of candlelight, you experience these familiar songs in an entirely new way that highlights their compositional depth and emotional resonance.
To see all the Candlelight Concerts coming to DC, visit our Candlelight Concerts DC page where you'll find a comprehensive listing of upcoming performances featuring everything from classical tributes to contemporary pop, jazz, and soul concerts. The Candlelight series continues to expand its offerings in the nation's capital, bringing innovative musical experiences to DC's most beautiful and unexpected venues.