The internationally acclaimed Candlelight concert series, known for bringing classical music to all kinds of audiences under the gentle glow of thousands of candles, returns to Berks County on Oct. 25 p.m. with a new lineup.
The concerts will take place at St John’s Lutheran Church, 4125 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, where audiences can enjoy a unique multisensory live music experience.
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer will take place at 6 p.m.
The Halloween program, which will start at 8:30 p.m., has been carefully curated to pay tribute to the spooky, the fantastical and the supernatural. Highlights include “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns, “Funeral March of a Marionette” by Charles Gounod and the second movement of Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8, all known for their dramatic tones and dark ambiance.
The concert also features cinematic favorites such as “Tubular Bells” (theme from “The Exorcist”), “Night on Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky (famously featured in Disney’s “Fantasia”), “Prelude from Psycho” by Bernard Herrmann and the main themes from “Beetlejuice,” “The Addams Family,” “Ghostbusters,” “Halloween,” “Stranger Things,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” arranged for string quartet, will also be part of the repertoire.
Candlelight was created with the aim of making music more accessible by bringing it to unexpected and intimate venues, offering a visually stunning and approachable experience. Since its launch, it has hosted thousands of concerts in over 150 cities around the world, including London, New York, Madrid, Sydney, and Paris.
Other upcoming Candelight shows at St. John’s:
Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.; Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More, Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m.; and Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings, Dec. 19, 8:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at https://feverup.com/m/401103.
For more information about Candlelight, visit candlelightexperience.com.
WCR Center for the Arts
The WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading, has announced a dynamic and diverse lineup of performances and events for its 2025–2026 season. From live music and cultural showcases to educational workshops and community celebrations, the new season offers something for everyone.
“At the WCR Center for the Arts, we believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and inspire our community,” said Jayme Rhoads, board president. “This season, we are proud to present a diverse lineup of performances, events and programs — some of which are free and open to the public — because we believe that access to the arts should be a right, not a privilege. We invite everyone to experience the joy, connection, and creativity that lives within these historic walls.”
• Free season kick-off: Sept. 12, 7 p.m. Celebrate the start of the season at the WCR Center for the Arts. The evening begins with mingling and announcements, followed by live music and dancing at 8.
• Richard Kogan: Schumann — Music, Mood Swings & Madness: Sept. 21, 3 p.m. Renowned pianist and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Kogan will explore the fascinating connection between creativity and mental health through the life and works of composer Robert Schumann. Part concert, part lecture, this unique event provides a rare insight into the mind of a musical genius.
• Spyros Koliavasilis: A Musical Tour of Ancient and Modern Greece: Nov. 1, 8 p.m.Journey through centuries of Greek music with multi-instrumentalist Spyros Koliavasilis. Specializing in rebetiko, smyrneika and traditional Greek music, Koliavasilis brings the rich tapestry of Greek heritage to life on stage.
• Guitar-a-Rama: Nov. 20, doors open at 5 p.m. Led by guitar maestro Dave Kline, this event features a workshop followed by a high-energy concert with international acts including Busker Incognito and Travellin’ Brothers from Spain.
• 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest: March 19–29. The WCR Center will again be a venue for the annual Berks Jazz Fest. Stay tuned for the performance date of local jazz favorite Hot Club of Reading.
• WCR Wedding Expo: March 1, 2026. Planning a wedding? Don’t miss the annual Wedding Expo featuring local vendors, live music and the historic charm of the venue.
• YogaSing with Suzanne Jackson: spring 2026 (date TBD). Back by popular demand, this unique workshop and concert blends yoga and singing in a holistic and joyful experience guided by Suzanne Jackson.
Movies
Josh Pafchek, 33, a native of Blandon who graduated from Fleetwood High School and attended Temple University, has a supporting role opposite Chris Evans in the upcoming Ethan Coen film “Honey Don’t!”
The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and opens in U.S. theaters on Aug. 22.
Now based in Los Angeles, Pafchek plays a lovable dumbbell who works for a corrupt reverend in the offbeat comedy, which stars Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza and Charlie Day.
