ABBA's Hits Under a Thousand Flameless Lights: A Candlelight Concert Review
The magic of ABBA is timeless. Decades after they first topped the charts, their music still has the power to get a crowd on its feet. But imagine experiencing those iconic tunes—"Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo"—not through pop singers and disco lights, but through the rich, resonant tones of a string quartet, all bathed in the warm, flickering glow of hundreds of candles.
That's precisely the enchanting experience we had on October 18, 2025, at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCCT), where we attended the sensational Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to ABBA.
A Night Worth Every Penny
Our group of four paid a total of CAD$236.80 for our tickets, placing us in Zone C for the 8:45 PM performance. And let me tell you: the price was absolutely worth it. This wasn't just a concert; it was an experience. The unique combination of the stunning music and the almost mystical ambiance of the candlelit venue made it a truly memorable evening.
The MCCT, located at 115 Simpson Avenue in Toronto, provided a gorgeous backdrop. For those unfamiliar, the venue is situated one street north of Gerrard, nestled between Broadview and Carlaw. Note for future attendees: the audience entrance is actually on Howland Ave, just south of Simpson Avenue.
The Melodies and the Magic
The performance itself was a delight. A talented quartet of four musicians, predominantly playing violin and viola, brought a fresh, elegant perspective to ABBA’s greatest hits.
Before the first note of music filled the air, the concert began with a lovely, informative touch: a few interesting facts about the legendary Swedish group. It was a nice way to prime the audience and honour the legacy of the music being performed.
Navigating the Zones: A Quick Seating Switch
The Candlelight Concerts offer a tiered pricing and seating system with various zones. Zone A promises the best view, while Zone D might offer only a partial one. At the MCCT, seats are available in all zones on both the main floor and the balcony.
We had Zone C tickets and initially made our way to the Balcony. While the overhead view of the full venue was beautiful, we quickly decided to try our luck on the main floor. Thankfully, the seats in Zone C on the main floor offered a much more engaging and intimate experience, putting us closer to the stage and the incredible acoustics. Pro Tip: If you have the option, and are not restricted by mobility, explore the main floor if your zone allows!
Know Before You Go: Essential Tips
If you're planning to attend a future Candlelight Concert, here are a few indispensable pieces of information to ensure a smooth and magical evening:
Tickets Are Online Only: Forget trying to buy tickets at the door. All purchases must be made in advance via the official app or website.
Arrival Time Matters: It is highly recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the performance. This gives you ample time to find your seating and soak in the atmosphere.
Seating with Friends: If you arrive together and have tickets for the same zone, you will be able to sit with your group.
Age Restriction: All guests must be 8 years old or older to attend, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Silence is Golden: Phones must be kept silent throughout the entire performance to maintain the sanctity of the experience.
Photo Policy: The musicians themselves will indicate the only time photos and videos are allowed: during the final piece, and strictly without flash.
Safety First: Rest assured, the stunning glow comes from flameless candles, ensuring the safety of all attendees while preserving the beautiful ambiance.
The Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to ABBA was a captivating, elegant, and surprisingly moving way to enjoy one of the greatest pop catalogues of all time. It was a completely new experience, and one I would heartily recommend to any music lover, ABBA fan or not. It certainly left us saying, "Thank you for the music!"
Comments