Trans-Siberian Orchestra Takes Over The Allstate Arena

As the holidays sweep in with their accompanying festive cheer and charm, there are few things as emblematic of this joyous season as a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. Having successfully married the electrifying spirit of rock with the grandeur of orchestral composition, TSO has stood tall and steady in the musical landscape, etching their names on the walls of greatness. Their current venture, The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve The Best Of TSO & More Tour, has found them embarked on a spirited journey across cities, charming their way into the hearts of spectators one electrifying concert at a time.

Their most recent pit stop was none other than the heart of Illinois - the iconic Allstate Arena in Rosemont. TSO performed not one, but two sold-out shows, further exemplifying the band's ever-enduring charm and crowd-pulling power. These shows marked their 24th consecutive holiday season of touring - a testament to their ever-evolving dynamism, musical resilience and the unwavering support from their fans, some of whom have been returning to TSO concerts since their inception.

TSO's fascinating journey started from the singular vision of the maestro, Paul O'Neill. Aspired to break free from the established confines of genre, he created an artistic wonder that drew heavily from rock operas and combined elements of classical music and rock. Not to mention the potent influences from Broadway musicals, Motown, and the legendary singer-songwriters Jim Croce and Harry Chapin, along with the literary influences of authors such as Oscar Wilde and Robert Graves. The TSO is more than a rock band; it's a diverse tapestry of artistic brilliance weaved by O’Neill and brought to life by an ensemble of gifted musicians and production personnel.

Translating such extensive musical heritage and wealth of influences onto the live stage is a challenging feat, yet it's something that TSO excels in, time and time again. This becomes strikingly apparent as we look at the carefully crafted setlist of their recent Rosemont show. The band gave the audience a stunning run through their celebrated discography, offering not only TSO originals but also honoring the roots of the band by covering tracks from Savatage, one of the key cornerstones in the genesis of TSO.

The show commenced with an adrenaline-rushing performance of The Hourglass, originally a Savatage number, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable night. With smooth transitions, the band then led the audience through the hauntingly beautiful The Lost Christmas Eve and the delightfully charming Christmas Bells, Carousels & Time.

Songs such as O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night offered moments of musical euphoria, elevating the audience into a state of reverent bliss, the notes resounding within the spacious Allstate Arena creating a warm and vibrant echo. The band’s high-octane rendition of Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24), one of their signature songs, and other crowd favorites like Queen of the Winter Night, created moments of magic that encapsulated the essence of TSO.

With TSO's skillful play between classical and rock music, wrapped in spectacular lights and explosive pyrotechnics, the night proved to be a thrilling escape into the unique musical world that only Trans-Siberian Orchestra could offer. This amalgamation of intricate instrumentals, grand narratives, operatic expressions, and enthralling theatrical performances established once more the resonating and enriching appeal of TSO's concerts.

The magic that unfurls within the confines of a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert isn't simply the symphonic crescendos and decrescendos or the blazing guitar solos that soar high above the audience. It's about more than just the music; it's about an experience, a unity, a communal bond established between the fans, the music, and the band itself that, like their rock operas, transcends boundaries. It's an intricate blend of traditions that, through their imaginative arrangements and fiery performances, seem so refreshingly new.

Two nights in Rosemont served as further proof of the band's prowess and reaffirmation of their deep-rooted popularity. To conclude, experiencing the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live is like watching a beloved holiday tradition reimagined into an explosive, larger-than-life musical extravaganza. A TSO concert remains an enchanting journey and an enduring tradition for millions, where music and spectacle unite in an evening that's both visually mesmerizing and audibly riveting.

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2023 Rosemont Set-List

The Hourglass (Savatage cover)

Mozart/Figaro

The Lost Christmas Eve

Christmas Bells, Carousels & Time

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? (William Chatterton Dix cover)

Music Box Blues

First Snow

Promises to Keep

This Christmas Day

Temptation Revelation (Savatage cover)

The Mountain

Christmas Jam

Joy / Angels We Have Heard on High / An Angel's Share

The March of the Kings / Hark the Herald Angels Sing

A Mad Russian's Christmas

Queen of the Winter Night

This Isn't What We Meant (Savatage cover)

Wizards in Winter

Carmina Burana

The Snow Came Down

Requiem (The Fifth)

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise) (Savatage cover)

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