Pittsburgh, PA, USA– On a cold winter’s night, a few days before Christmas Day, as snow flurries rained down from Heaven above, the entrance to the PPG Paints Arena was lined with people waiting to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). Upon entering the arena for the night show, one could feel the excitement in the air. TSO performed 2 shows in one day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
This is a show not to be missed at Christmas time or any other time of the year. There is a special feeling of joy in the audience at TSO concerts, maybe it is the awe of the wonderful talented performers and musicians or maybe the feeling of peace of Christmas, whatever it is, it’s always felt at the shows.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been around for decades enchanting audiences with their extraordinary performances, with guitar solos, drums, a wonderful story, and more energy and pyro than thought possible for a holiday show. Let’s speak of the stage itself to begin, it is a multifunctional stage that features platforms that can move up and down along with a V-shaped platform that comes down to the audience. The performers can walk out to the point of the V-shaped platform and perform for the audience for a closer look at the performers an audience. There is also a T-shaped platform in the middle of the audience where the sound booth is located. The performers can walk out to it and be harnessed in at each end and raised up to perform, this makes for a wonderful break in the concert which is extremely appealing for the audience in the upper levels of venues. These stages add to the holiday experience in a way that melts one’s heart.
The pyro used during the concert is comparable to Rammstein’s pyro in their show, it is that great. The energy performances go hand in hand with the pyro that is used in the show. It is well-choreographed and executed within the music and performances. The charisma and energy are major highlights in all of the performers’ performances. One of the best violinists in the universe right now is Roddy Chong, who is also the most energetic and charismatic performer to watch. Steve Aoki and Roddy Chong should jump together, it would be an interesting photograph. Watching the guitarist solos from Joel Hoekstra and Chris Caffery reminds one of how great live music is to see in concert. The vocalists in TSO are a variety of the best in the world. One can tell each of the band members is honestly enjoying their work. This is refreshing to see others enjoy being on stage. Christmas music can be considered non-traditional but it is so beautiful that it slips into one’s heart and makes one feel at peace. This is the perfect Christmas feeling that one wants to feel throughout the holiday season and hopefully will last throughout the year. For more information on Trans-Siberian Orchestra please visit their website: https://www.trans-siberian.com/tour
For more information about the PPG Paints Arena: http://www.ppgpaintsarena.com/
The song list for this night:
- FATE
- PROMETHEUS
- THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE
- THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS EVE
- O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL/O HOLY NIGHT
- GOOD KING JOY
- CHRISTMAS DREAMS
- CHRISTMAS EVE (SARAJEVO 12/24)
- CHRISTMAS CANON ROCK
- WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
- MUSIC BOX BLUES
- FIRST SHOW
- PROMISES TO KEEP
- THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
- CHRISTMAS CAROUSELS/SIBERIAN SLEIGH RIDE
- A MAD RUSSIAN’S CHRISTMAS
- FOR THE SAKE OF OUR BROTHER
- CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR
- WIZARDS IN WINTER
- CHILD OF THE NIGHT/A LAST ILLUSION
- IF I GO AWAY
- MADNESS OF MEN
- THE SNOW CAME DOWN
- REQUEIM (THE FIFTH)
- CHRISTMAS EVE (SARAJEVO 12/24) (REPRISE)