At the 2026 Adelaide Fringe, Debussy’s Romantic Piano by Candlelight – Clair de Lune is an experience that feels less like a concert and more like an invitation into a secret world of passion, poetry and piano.

 Award-winning British pianist Matthew Shiel performs beneath the soft glow of candlelight, framed by the suggestion of a Venetian masked ball. The atmosphere is lush and romantic before a single note is played. But this is far from a straightforward recital. Seduction, storytelling and stunning piano in equal measure.

 Shiel proves to be a surprisingly gifted and genuinely funny storyteller. Between sweeping romantic piano works, including the aching beauty of Clair de Lune, he delights in exposing the scandalous love affairs and seductive entanglements of history’s great composers. Tales of longing, betrayal and devotion unfold with warmth and wit, transporting the audience to cities like Venice, which, as our charming host reminds us, is almost as romantic as Adelaide.

 As a pianist, Shiel is captivating. His playing is expressive yet restrained, powerful yet tender. There is a calm authority in his performance; he holds the room with quiet confidence, allowing the music to breathe and shimmer. The result is meditative and immersive, a rare chance during Fringe season to slow down and simply listen.

 Enhancing the performance are digital animations by acclaimed Shanghai artist and Disney illustrator Emma Yitong Shen. The visuals gently accompany the music, adding another layer of atmosphere without overwhelming the intimacy of the piano.

 This is a show for learning, for reflecting, for appreciating the artists who have come before us and the passions that shaped their work. In Shiel’s hands, these stories and melodies feel immediate and alive.

 A calming, romantic, and beautifully executed performance, well worth seeing.

 Five Stars: ★★★★★

  Wed, 25 Feb - Fri, 06 Mar 60 min Pilgrim Uniting Church Tickets here shows remaining on 4th and 5th of March