As part of my son’s Christmas gift this year, he and I attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter 2010 concert in Duluth, GA, last evening. (Okay, I was not part of the gift; I was just the driver.)
Smartphone shot from the TSO concert, 12.10.10
We noticed immediately a very complex stage set up, but neither of us was prepared for the lights, screens, snow and fire that was to follow. Not to mention the amazing music that has made TSO a Christmas crowd favorite. They use enough spots and strobes to kill anyone prone to seizures, enough fire to give a pyromaniac a ten year rush, enough lasers for everyone to receive a free Lasik procedure, and have enough hair onstage to rival any three 80s bands combined. The 2:45 program made it well worth the price of the tickets.
TSO was introduced to me a number of years ago while standing in the middle of a Disney Store. A large music screen featured the video of ‘Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).’ I was captivated by the music more than the content of the video. It remains my favorite work of TSO, and, in my judgment, the best contemporary contribution to the Christmas genre in the last 25 years or more. While I personally do not prefer most of their vocal arrangements, I love their instrumental compositions. [Continued below video...]
The concert experience is much more theatrical than I expected. TSO is nothing if not about presentation. If you enjoy symphonic rock, and have never heard the Trans Siberian Orchestra, give them a try. It is likely that you will not be disappointed. You can check tour dates here.
