Holding a candle for classic rock?

Hear classic rock in a whole new light when the Newport Performing Arts Center hosts “Candlelight Sessions” on Thursday, May 14.

Presented by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Symphony Orchestra, the intimate on-stage concert places guests alongside four musicians surrounded by candlelight for string quartet arrangements of legendary rock songs.

Rather than watching from the audience, concertgoers will be seated on stage in the Alice Silverman Theatre, creating a close-up experience just feet from the performers. Violinists Casey Bozell and Alberta Barnes, violist Shauna Keyes and cellist Adrienne Welsh will perform while sharing stories and insights throughout the evening.

The set list will feature reimagined versions of favorites including “White Rabbit,” “Paint It Black,” “Life on Mars,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “More Than a Feeling,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Born to Be Wild,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Freebird” and selections from “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me.”

The concert transforms arena-sized classics into chamber music, blending familiar melodies with the warmth and detail of live strings in an immersive setting.

Thursday’s performance begins at 7 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. Tickets are $45. For more information, go to coastarts.org/events/candlelight or call 541-265-2787.