Birmingham Native Elias Hendricks Brings 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' Home

One-night-only event blends opera and soul music in an elegant, immersive setting at the historic Harambe Room.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:03am

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An abstract close-up photograph showcasing the rich, textured fabrics and dramatic lighting that will set the tone for Elias Hendricks' 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' performance in Birmingham.Elias Hendricks' 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' event promises an immersive, high-end experience blending opera and soul music.Today in Birmingham

Birmingham-born operatic tenor and creative producer Elias Hendricks III will premiere his genre-blending 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' performance on April 25 at the Harambe Room, a venue owned by his family. The one-night-only event will fuse classical works with soul and R&B staples in an elegant, candlelit atmosphere complete with charcuterie, premium drinks, and a post-show social hour.

Why it matters

Hendricks' 'Classical Soul' concept aims to expose audiences to classical music in an accessible, engaging way by blending it with the soul and R&B sounds he grew up with in Birmingham. The performance at the Harambe Room, a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene, represents a homecoming for Hendricks and a chance for the local community to experience his unique artistic vision.

The details

The event will feature Hendricks performing alongside pianist Byron Thomas and cellist Yogi Dada, both Birmingham-based artists. The program will weave together classical pieces made famous by composers like Puccini and Andrea Bocelli with soul and R&B staples from artists like Sam Cooke, John Legend, and K-Ci & JoJo. Hendricks will seamlessly transition between the genres, at times blending the styles within a single song.

  • The performance will take place on April 25, 2026.
  • Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m.

The players

Elias Hendricks III

A Birmingham-born operatic tenor and creative producer who has spent years honing his 'Classical Soul' concept through performances around the world.

Byron Thomas

A Birmingham-based pianist who will perform alongside Hendricks.

Yogi Dada

A multidisciplinary Birmingham artist described by Hendricks as a 'renaissance' who will perform cello during the event.

Harambe Room

A venue in downtown Birmingham owned by Hendricks' family and a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene for over three decades.

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What they’re saying

“This is just my first chance to actually debut it in Birmingham. I've been working on it in theaters across the world for a while.”

— Elias Hendricks III, Operatic Tenor and Creative Producer

“From the moment you're at the door, you're going to have candles leading you, going up the elevator into the space. It's going to be absolutely beautiful.”

— Elias Hendricks III, Operatic Tenor and Creative Producer

“I trained in opera. I got a degree in opera. But soul music—that's what we all grew up with.”

— Elias Hendricks III, Operatic Tenor and Creative Producer

What’s next

Hendricks hopes that 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' will develop into a larger series, allowing him to bring his unique blend of classical and soul music to more audiences in Birmingham and beyond.

The takeaway

Elias Hendricks' 'Classical Soul by Candlelight' event represents a homecoming for the Birmingham native, who is using his operatic training and soulful roots to create a genre-defying experience that celebrates the city's cultural heritage and exposes audiences to classical music in a fresh, accessible way.