Free Candlelight Concert Coming To Merrick Library Tuesday

MERRICK, NY — The Merrick Library is bringing a candlelight concert to the community for free on Tuesday as part of its Candlelight Concert Series.

Head of Community Engagement Christina Bonfiglio-Scali told Patch she wanted to find a way to recreate the experience of larger, often expensive candlelight concerts at the local library without costing patrons even a penny.

"Candlelight concerts have become incredibly popular in theaters, but you never see these types of performances offered at libraries," she said. "I went to one in the city and thought, we can do this."

No registration is required, so residents can pop in and enjoy the magical show of Shiloh Piano and Cello Duo on Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"It's about giving our patrons something special without having to travel far, sit in traffic, or worry about the cost," she said.

The library is continually looking for new ways to introduce residents to different experiences and make the arts more accessible.

"Musical performances, right here in the heart of town, make the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of age or income," she said. "Anyone can walk into the Library and enjoy a beautiful concert illuminated by the glow of hundreds of flameless candles."

Another library series, Uncommon Tunes, introduces residents to new instruments and musical traditions from around the world. The library has had instrumental performances with the sitar and tabla, the theremin, and the kora. They have planned performances that include dueling banjos and the dulcimer.

"Our Candlelight Concert, Candlelight Poetry, and Uncommon Tunes series are original to the Merrick Library, and I am really proud to bring it to this community that I work and live in," Bonfiglio-Scali said.

For Bonfiglio-Scali, providing Long Islanders with a place to gather and connect with one other is what matters most.

"At the end of the day, I want the Library to be a place where my neighbors can come together and experience something wonderful, right here in town."

More information and other public library resources can be found online.

Tuesday's concert will be located in the Community Room at the Merrick Library at 2279 Merrick Ave.