The Media Theatre has seen plenty of stories unfold on its stage and screen over the years. Its next one comes from Middle-earth. This historic 1927 movie palace will soon host a candlelit string quartet performance of Howard Shore’s music for The Lord of the Rings, giving the iconic score a chance to stand on its own.
Hear Howard Shore’s iconic score by candlelight
Few film scores are as instantly recognisable as Howard Shore’s music for the trilogy. At this Candlelight performance, the sweeping score will be brought to life by a string quartet, with the warm flicker of thousands of candles this time setting the scene for magic within the historic theatre.
The programme journeys through Middle-earth, featuring beloved themes including “The Fellowship” and “The One Ring”. You can also expect music inspired by some of the trilogy’s most memorable moments, including the Battle of Helm’s Deep and Gandalf’s iconic “You Shall Not Pass”.
With no screen competing for attention, the music can truly shine, bringing Howard Shore’s iconic themes to the forefront and allowing listeners to appreciate the score in all its detail.
8 November 2026 20:45 + more dates
Media Theatre For The Performing Arts
A fitting setting for a score born on the big screen
The Media Theatre opened in 1927, right in the golden age of cinema, and its first film was The Jazz Singer, the landmark Al Jolson picture that helped usher in the era of talking films.
Almost a century later, the building has a very different role. After nearly 75 years as a movie theatre, it was transformed into the Media Theatre for the Performing Arts in 1994, preserving the historic space while giving it a new life as a home for live performance.
There’s something especially magical in the fact that the theatre that once brought audiences together for the latest films will now fill with the sounds of one of cinema’s most celebrated scores. Only this time, the music takes centre stage.
A musical journey to Middle-earth
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the trilogy or simply appreciate an unforgettable film score, this Candlelight concert offers a chance to experience the music of The Lord of the Rings away from the screen. Tickets are now available, so gather your fellowship and prepare for an evening of Howard Shore’s music, candlelight and Middle-earth.
This building began its life at a major turning point in cinema, opening with one of the films that helped make the transition to sound. Nearly a century later, it’s hosting live musicians performing music written for some of the biggest screen stories of the modern era. A pretty spectacular full-circle moment.
Everything you need to know
🕯️ Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings
🎻 Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings score performed by a string quartet
🏰 Media Theatre for the Performing Arts
⏰ Approximately 60 minutes
🎟️ Tickets now on sale from $
Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings
8 November 2026 20:45 + more dates
Media Theatre For The Performing Arts
