Traditional Events at Old Ship

The Candlelight Concert Series has been presented annually at the Old Ship Church for over fifty years. The concerts were inspired by an Old Ship family who, after a vacation trip to London, wished to encourage the organization of free concerts in Hingham similar to the tradition they experienced in the churches of Europe.

The first concert was presented in December 1973 with a performance by the Cambridge Quartet. The goal of these concerts is to present a wide variety of professional artists performing a breadth of instrumental and vocal repertory within this unique venue, which enhances the enjoyment of great musical art.

The list of artists who have performed here includes many of the finest instrumental and vocal musicians from the New England and American music scene

Performances take place in the Old Ship Meeting House at 90 Main Street in downtown Hingham. Designated in 1960 as a National Historic Landmark, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, this original Colonial building – the central portion was completed in 1681 – has been in continuous church use for more than 300 years. Observances in 2007 celebrated the 325th anniversary of the Meeting House.

Friends of the series are invited to add their names to our list of supporters to be counted among those who endorse the continuation of quality, live musical performances in our community.

To make a donation, please click here and select “Give to Candlelight Concerts” under the top drop-down menu. You can also mail a check to:

Old Ship Candlelight Concerts
14 Main Street
Hingham, MA 02043

Program Notes

The Old Ship Meeting House has a capacity of more than 300 persons and is wheelchair-accessible. Restroom facilities are located in the handicapped-accessible entrance hall to the Meeting House. Parking is available behind the Parish House and on adjacent streets. 
Children are welcome at performances when accompanied by adults. Out of respect for the artists and members of the audience, please silence any noise-making devices and alarms before the performance begins.

2026-2027 Schedule

“Souvenirs” by Trio Gaia

Classical Piano works from Debussy to Gershwin performed by Carlos Vargas

Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Old Ship Candlelight Concerts kicks off its season with the program Souvenirs by pianist Carlos Manuel Vargas on Sunday, October 4, at 4:00 p.m. in the Meeting House.

A member of the piano faculty at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and the New School of Music in Cambridge, Vargas’ performances have earned widespread acclaim across the United States, South America, and Europe. The program features works ranging from Gershwin to Debussy from his debut album Souvenirs. Textura notes that Souvenirs is “a stunning debut,” highlighting Vargas’s “poised, expressive, and graceful” playing, while Pizzicato describes it as “a sensuous pianistic journey” that beautifully blends lyrical and virtuosic elements. A standout on the album is his interpretation of Osvaldo Golijov’s Levante, with the composer himself praising Vargas’s performance as “dazzling” and filled with “gusto.”

For more information, please contact Christopher Sullivan at candlelightconcertsoldship@gmail.com. Admission is free; your donation is welcome and can be made at the door, through Breeze by selecting “Give to Candlelight Concerts” under the top drop-down menu.