Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings holiday cheer to Sacramento

The multi-platinum and iconic rock band, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), brought the holiday cheer to Sacramento on November 27th at the Golden 1 Center. Performing their signature two showtimes, a matinee at 2:30pm and an evening at 7:00pm, TSO wowed audiences with the story of The Lost Christmas Eve. Celebrating 20 years on this tour, the band’s all new show proved to be one of the many things concert goers would be thankful for leading into the Thanksgiving holiday.

As the audience eagerly awaited the band’s introduction, a textured purple curtain enveloped the staging with the band’s name aglow on a digital marquee. The crowd cheered with excitement as the curtain began to lift. Surrounded by multi-colored lasers, hazy fog canons, and dazzling lighting above the audience, guitarists Angus Clark and Al Pitrelli shared the spotlight as they set the tempo with drummer Blas Elias on percussion. The radiant and profoundly skilled violinist, Asha Mevlana, joined the talented axe wielding duo as the energy became electric throughout the venue. Performing “Moonlight and Madness” from their 2009 album Night Castle and “Wizards in Winter” from their 2004 album The Lost Christmas Eve, guitarist Andrew Ross and bassist John Lee Middleton joined the trio on stage, completing the assembly of TSO’s core five.

Mentionable highlights from the evening’s festivities consisted of fierce fire canons and floating snowy foam, Phillip Brandon’s captivating storytelling and showmanship, Jane Mangini’s and Mark Klett’s playful chemistry on keys, and powerhouse performances from vocalists Chloe Lowery, Daniel Emmet, Rosa Laricchiuta, Lorea Turner, and Jeff Scott Soto. From the deeply profound story to the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes, the band performed popular hits “Christmas Canon Rock” from their 2004 album The Lost Christmas Eve and “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” from their 1996 album Christmas Eve and Other Stories. In signature TSO fashion, Al Pitrelli slowed down the tempo to acknowledge our armed forces and the band’s remarkable crew. Beautifully segueing into “Believe” from their 2009 album Night Castle, which the band beautifully dedicated to the late Paul O’Neill. The audience glimmered in hues of amber beneath the angelic candlelight that danced above the stage.

Kicking things up again, the band rocked the house with Requiem (The Fifth) from their 2000 album Beethoven’s Last Night and the beloved holiday hit known worldwide Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) from their 1996 album Christmas Eve and Other Stories. Between hammered riffs, heart pounding drums, and swiftly played strings, the venue was lit with holiday splendor. Elevating above audiences and acknowledging one another’s skill, the band brilliantly blended their playing styles for countless memorable moments. As the band members lined up for their final bow, they were showered with tremendous applause and glittered celebratory pyrotechnics. With the melodious final song’s outro ringing throughout the venue, TSO sent concert goers rockin’ into the starry evening.

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