Trans-Siberian Orchestra
KeyArena, Seattle, WA
11.28.15
How do you get a metal head/rocker to listen to Christmas songs, or at the same time get a classical/theatrical music lover to accept metal/rock music? This age old divide was not an issue when Trans-Siberian Orchestra came to Seattle with 10 tour buses and 16 semi-trucks of gear for two back-to-back performances at Key Arena.
Who or what is Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO)? TSO is the brainchild of producer, composer, and lyricist Paul O’Neill. He has created a progressive rock project that has found their unique niche in bringing together the theatrics of a huge rock and theatre show performing Christmas classics with a twist. They have been selling out theatres – and now arenas – for the last decade on their now annual Holiday tour.
It has been some time since I last saw TSO live. Looking around the jam-packed Key Arena, I couldn’t help but notice the multi-generational crowd. Seattle was represented in every age group from young children to grandparents. Longhaired rockers who know TSO rising out from the ashes of the Savatage days, to the theatregoer who has never heard anything besides the 7 albums that Trans-Siberian Orchestra have released.
Everyone was in great spirits anticipating the spectacle that was to unfold. A combination of narrative and rocking renditions of Christmas classics, and songs from their new Letters From the Labyrinth album comprised a set that lasted just over two hours. An incredible visual spectacle projected across a unique video paneled stage. Pyrotechnics and an impressive laser and lighting display tied in beautifully to the multitude of various singers performing with the TSO band.
As the show drew to a close, musical director Al Pitrelli addressed the crowd thanking everyone for being a part of what has now become a holiday touring tradition. He thanked the many crew and performers for the incredible feat of building the immense stage preparing for one show, and the many “hail Marys” it takes to do two performances a night.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra delivered a fantastic, fun filled evening of new and old songs over the Thanksgiving weekend in Seattle. It was amazing to see how many smiling faces streamed out of the venue. Everyone experiencing the holiday magic, including knowing that TSO donates a portion of each ticket sale to benefit select local and national charities. To date they have donated over $12 million to worthy charities.
If you haven’t had a chance to see them perform, make sure you don’t miss them next year. It is well worth it both visually and audibly.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Set List
Time and Distance (The Dash)
Winter Palace
The Lost Christmas Eve
O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night
Good King Joy
Christmas Dreams
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Savatage cover)
Christmas Canon Rock
What Child Is This?
Music Box Blues
First Snow
Promises to Keep
This Christmas Day
Wizards in Winter
A Mad Russian’s Christmas
For the Sake of Our Brother
Christmas Nights in Blue
Christmas Jam
Madness of Men
Forget About the Blame
The Mountain
Find Our Way Home
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise) (Savatage cover)
Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
