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Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert performance at the Pepsi Center in Denver
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra album cover: "Christmas Eve and Other Stories"
*“In this room where shadows live
And ghosts that failed learn time forgives
Welcome, friends, please stay awhile
Our story starts with one small child
Who spends this night in attics dark
Where dreams are stored like sleeping hearts.”
In misty clouds of dreams, angel flights of fantasy and fiery fountains of exploding beams, Trans-Siberian Orchestra made their long-awaited return to Denver last Tuesday night at the Pepsi Center. For nearly 3 hours they told a tale of a child’s Christmas wish with musical and visual brilliance. The story begins in an old city bar, and ends with pyrotechnical genius and sounds that move your emotions to passionate peaks.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (“TSO”) began their own journey in 1996 and has produced seven very popular albums, attracting people of all ages with their exceptional talents in a genre which is essentially a category of its own. Not really a musical revue, more like a rock opera that develops around a story.
While recognition is primarily given to the entire company for this remarkable achievement, credit most definitely must also be mentioned to the ability and showmanship of the artists individually. The lead guitarist, Al Pitrelli, along with his partners in crime, Angus Clark (lead guitar) and Chris Attenhoff (bass guitar) were brilliant, culminating in a duel between the two leads that delighted the audience who heartily participated in an appreciation competition. Also, the lead violinists, Caitlin Moe and Roddy Chong performed amazingly. Their specialty is playing fast-paced, intricate songs while leaping and running across the stage (once into the audience, up to the second level of the arena).
The voices of this talented troupe are undeniably filled with emotion. Every last one of the performances was dazzling. While the narrator, Tony Gaynor mesmerized the audience with his deep hypnotic, melodic voice, lead singers Tommy Farese and Jeff Scott Soto, Andrew Ross and Bart Shatto delivered an exceptionally vivid program.
Just the talents of the players would be enough to pack the Pepsi Center, and hundreds of venues like it every date they perform. But add to that the remarkable atmosphere created by the technical and production crew. Paul O’Neill (TSO founder/composer/lyricist/producer) says that “TSO endeavors to build every album and concert like an old medieval castle. Our greatest wish is that you never stop exploring.” A laser show, fireworks, neon lights, walls of stars, and even snow were all employed to make the audience part of the dream. When you thought there was no way to improve the “castle”, an explosion of clouds and mist break away to reveal a futuristic dais rising almost to the rafters creating a floating stage for performers.
TSO played only one show at the Pepsi Center. Then the crew immediately packed up 17 semis to travel to Colorado Springs where they were scheduled to perform two performances the next day. The entire tour will consist of 84 performances, which sounds like a lot. But considering that their newly released album, “Night Castle,” debuted at the No. 5 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart, there is little doubt that anyone who has never experienced TSO will stand in line for hours for tickets, and those that have had the pleasure will want to see them over and over again! This Examiner included!
You are encouraged to leave your comments about this article, or others. Please send article subject requests and suggestions to hvmade@gmail.com.
*(Trans-Siberian Orchestra-Winter Tour 2009 Concert Program)
(Picture slide show courtesy of Examiner Heidi Vandermade)
TSO - "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo - 12/24"
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