New insights highlight strong audience expansion with 83% first-time attendees and 84% planning to return
MUMBAI, June 24, 2026 - Candlelight®, the international concert series by Live Your City, is reshaping how Indian audiences discover and experience classical music, transforming it into a format that is more social, familiar and accessible. Recent audience insights from India highlight a significant shift in consumption patterns, with Candlelight emerging as a key entry point for both new and evolving listeners.
A striking 83% of attendees are experiencing Candlelight for the first time, underscoring its strong appeal among new audiences. More importantly, 84% express intent to attend both Candlelight and others of classical music concerts in the future, reinforcing the format’s role as a powerful gateway to the b roader classical music ecosystem.
Commenting on this insight, Pranjal Bengwani, India Lead of Candlelight said, “Candlelight is making classical music more accessible by presenting it in a way that feels familiar and inviting. By combining well-loved music with an immersive atmosphere, it is attracting more first-time attendees and encouraging them to continue their journey with live classical performances.”
Familiarity plays a central role in driving this engagement. Nearly 80% of attendees cite the musical programme as their primary reason for attending, highlighting a clear preference for recognisable and well-loved compositions. Combined with an immersive, candlelit setting, this blend of familiarity makes classical music feel more approachable and relevant to modern audiences.
Additionally, Candlelight is emerging as a distinctly social cultural experience in India. Whether as a couple-outing, a gathering with friends, or a shared family moment, the format is reshaping classical music from a traditionally formal setting into a more inclusive, accessible and experiential cultural activity.