Trans-Siberian Orchestra
by Leigh Hurst
This holiday season the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) returns to Reno on their 2011 Winter Tour, November 18, at the Reno Events Center.
If you have never listened to anything except their traditional holiday song "Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental)," you may be surprised! There is so much work that goes into TSO stage productions ranging from the stunning laser light show, to the dueling violinists, the keyboard player illuminated by blue light, the beautiful voice of the narrator, the orchestra, fire explosions, and the rocking guitar players. These are just a few of the things that stood out. There are a million lights throughout the show; if this year's tour is anything like the last it will be a fun and exciting to see laser light treat.
TSO has been called a mix of The Who's "Tommy" & Andrew Lloyd Weber with Pink Floyd's lights." One must be aware though that there are many times of being blinded by the many white lights. Lights illuminate the entire arena and many people either cover or close their eyes.
Classic Christmas carols are heard as well as songs from the bands album "Night Castle" which debuted in 2009. The 2011 Winter Tour may also feature songs from "Beethoven's Last Night" (2010) or possible new or blended surprises. You can find TSO music on www.amazon.com or their Website; www.trans-siberian.com.
TSO CD's are offered at an affordable price for their fans. The founder of TSO, Paul O'Neill states; "These are hard times, and were trying to do what we can to make them better. We believe in value with Trans- Siberian Orchestra; everything we do - the shows, the albums, the souvenirs - are over the top productions with a lot of stuff for people to see and hear and feel, and we do that for as inexpensive a price as we can."
TSO will offer two shows for Reno fans; one will be held at 4 p.m. for younger audiences, the other at 8 p.m.
Last year, I spoke to the lead musician from the local Reno band "The String Beings" as I thought I saw him up on stage. TSO uses some of our local musicians when they come to town. Van Vinikow stated it was his forth year playing with TSO! (www.thestringbeings.com)
If heavier rock is not your thing than a TSO concert is not for you. The show focuses on Christmas but with a heavy rock style music. To better describe the show, I would tell someone it is like a "heavy metal rock opera".
DATE: November 18, 4 & 8 p.m., Reno Events Center. Tickets range in price from lower to upper floor seating, and are on sale now.