Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Brings Two Pop Powerhouses to DC in a Glowing Concert Experience
Two of the most beloved acts in pop and rock history are coming together for one unforgettable evening in Washington, DC. Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA is playing at the stunning National City Christian Church, and multiple upcoming performances give DC-area audiences an opportunity to experience it.
The Candlelight concert series is known for transforming extraordinary venues into intimate, atmospheric settings where live classical music takes on a whole new dimension. For this particular program, the Listeso String Quartet performs iconic songs from both Queen and ABBA, two bands whose combined catalog spans some of the most recognizable and beloved songs ever written. The pairing might seem unexpected at first, but both acts share a flair for the dramatic, irresistibly catchy melodies, and anthems designed to be sung by crowds of thousands. Hearing those songs rendered on strings by candlelight turns out to be a surprisingly emotional experience.
The program draws from deep wells of both catalogs. From ABBA, expect to hear "Dancing Queen," "SOS," "Money, Money, Money," "Voulez Vous," "Waterloo," "Super Trouper," "Mamma Mia," and "Gimme Gimme Gimme." Queen is represented by "Bohemian Rhapsody," "I Want to Break Free," "Killer Queen," "Don't Stop Me Now," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions." It is a genuinely thrilling setlist, and the intimate candlelit atmosphere gives even the most familiar songs a sense of discovery.
The venue itself is part of the magic. The National City Christian Church, located at 5 Thomas Circle NW, is a landmark of Washington architecture, built in 1930 and celebrated for both its striking design and its prominent location on Thomas Circle. The acoustics and grandeur of the space make it an ideal setting for this kind of up-close, immersive musical experience.
Each performance runs approximately 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes before showtime. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each ticket zone, so arriving early is encouraged. The concert is open to attendees aged 8 and older, with anyone under 16 required to be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. The concert currently holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on more than 140 audience reviews, with past attendees describing it as "an exceptional experience" and the music as "gorgeous."
To see a list of all Candlelight shows in the DC area, visit our Candlelight Concerts in DC page.