The Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) annually brings the beauty of Christmas music to cities across Canada and the United States. Their unique brand of symphonic rock, and seasonal music blended with just the right touch of classical music becomes intensely heightened with the band’s energetic performance.
Adding to the audiences fulfillment are special effects that supercedes any modern day rock band. Pyrotechnics, lasers and lights are synchronized with the entire performance, an endeavor that takes fifteen hours to set up.
History of the TSO
In 1996 the Trans Siberian Orchestra was founded by composers Paul O’Neil, Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva. The group’s name was inspired by the Trans Siberian Railway which connected isolated cultures, much like music.
Paul O’Neil has an extensive career. He started as a guitarist in the touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. He then worked at Leber-Krebs Inc., the management company that launched many successful careers such as Aerosmith, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Ted Nugent and more. In 1986 he turned to writing and producing full time. Soon he began to stretch creative boundaries, developing a distinct style of rock opera. From there he initiated the creation of the Trans Siberian Orchestra.
O’Neil, Kinkel and Oliva wrote: “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”, “The Christmas Attic”, “Beethoven’s Last Night”, and “The Lost Christmas Eve”. These rock operas quickly became Lava/Atlanta’s top selling projects. It is expected that their long awaited “NightCastle” album will be released in time for the holidays this year.
TSO In the Studio
When the thirty-three member TSO is in the studio, they use a 60 piece orchestra to ensure the music produced is second to none. They have several albums out that include: Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, Beethoven’s Last Night, The Ghost of Christmas Eve, The Lost Christmas Eve, and The Christmas Trilogy.
Forget Andy Williams and Bing Crosby. There’s no going back to traditionally performed Christmas music after the TSO experience. Their extraordinary ability to blend yesterday’s sounds with today’s craving for outstanding music transcends all generations, creating new Christmas traditions.
The Concert
Their concert is divided in two parts. The first half tells the story and performs the songs of “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”. The second half is a mix of songs from their other albums as well as resonating renditions of hits such as the Immigrant Song, Layla and Proud Mary. They finish with a reprise of Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. No modern day band can equal the energy, special effects and ambiance that TSO creates for their audiences.
Christmas Eve and Other Stories
This album is a concept album; all songs on this album represent chapters of a book. It tells a story of a young angel sent to Earth to find and bring back to the Lord the one thing that represents everything good that’s been done in the name of Christmas Day. The angel’s pursuit takes him all over the world until he hears the prayers of a father.
Trans Siberian Orchestra does not just go over the top, they leave it far behind. If you have an opportunity to see TSO live this holiday season you’re guaranteed to go home wanting to listen to TSO all year round.
For more information about the Trans Siberian Orchestra visit their website and be sure to check the concert schedule in your area.
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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