60 Before 60 Project: #39 - Go to a Candlelight Concert

I’m a big fan of the band Coldplay. I find their music always seems to inspire me. Whether it’s their thought-provoking lyrics or the phenomenal melodies, I just love listening to their songs.

The band is currently on a World Tour right now but not playing anywhere near where we live. But I discovered something that I thought might be interesting. A candlelight concert was being offered profiling a solo pianist playing Coldplay’s music. This really intrigued me, so we bought some tickets.

What an experience this was!

The concert was held at the Rialto Theatre. The theatre was previously a movie theatre that had been renovated and converted to a theatre / hall. It had also been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

When I walked into the theatre, I couldn’t help but admire the architecture. From the stained-glass ceiling to the ornate mouldings, it was a feast for the eyes. What also made the venue so special was that it was lit with candles (of course battery-operated ones to ensure no fire risks). But it provided a subtle glow that further highlighted the beauty of the theatre.

It was a very intimate setting. It was a relatively small crowd in attendance, so it gave the feeling of being almost a private concert.

And then it began.

The solo pianist, Xavier Rousso came onto the stage and started to play. I was mesmerized as his fingers danced so quickly and eloquently across the keys of the grand piano. He played so many of my favourite Coldplay songs. Clocks, Speed of Sound, Fix You all were amazingly transformed onto this single, amazing instrument.

Once he finished his set, he received a well-deserved standing ovation and further treated the crowd to his rendition of Vida La Vida.

I left the theatre inspired. I had played the piano as a child and even have a piano in my home but rarely play it. My children had been trying to get me to return to playing and even had it tuned as a Christmas gift to try and entice me.

As a result of this concert, I’m feeling the pull of the piano to come back and play. I think I may even add this to my 60 Before 60 Project list!

Thank you Rousso for the wonderful concert and inspiration. You’re amazing talent makes me want to try and rediscover mine.

My 60 Before 60 Project Life Lesson: Inspiration can come when you don’t expect it

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