Trans-Siberian Orchestra Brings 20th Anniversary Tour To Erwin Center

The world-renowned rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed at the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas at Austin on December 20, 2018. The group is celebrating their 20th year of touring with an all-new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - the Best of TSO and More.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

TSO combined the 3P's - Passion, Power, and Pyro - to present an unforgettable evening of entertainment for the enthusiastic audience. As in past performances, TSO held nothing back. The musicians were top-notch rock artists bringing their individual persons to the stage with each number and the vocalists knew exactly when to belt out a note or hold back to present just the right feeling. The scenes for each number were perfectly set with pyrotechnics, lasers, and even manufactured snow falling on the audience seated on the floor. The drummer and one keyboardist were positioned center-stage on a platform that raised and lowered depending on the selection and video screen. At times, the lead guitarist, bassist, and/or lead violinist were tethered to a rotating cherry-picker type arm behind the seated floor area, rising up and down to the levels of the mezzanine. At other times, three platforms suspended musicians on the main stage.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

And in the true classy nature of the organization, $1 from each ticket sold for the show is donated back to organizations in the host city. For Austin, the organizations were The Salvation Army Angel Tree Project and Cure Duchenne. Also, during the break between part one and part two, Al Pitrelli ask the audience to salute all the men and women serving in the US Armed Forces and the important job they do.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

History:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was founded in 1996 by composer, lyricist, producer, and songwriter Paul O'Neill. TSO was created to push the boundary of progressive rock by combining rock and classical music into a powerful rock opera. Since their introduction TSO has released 8 incredible creations, including several Christmas themed, and sold more than 10 million albums. TSO's debut album Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996) was the first installment of their Christmas Trilogy which also includes The Christmas Attic (1998) and The Lost Christmas Eve (2004).

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Al Pitrelli

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Angus Clark

Jane Mangini

John Lee Middleton

Members:

There are two troops of extremely talented musicians and vocalists traveling the country, performing the same numbers. The members of the West Coast troop that performed here in Austin are:

Phillip Brandon - story narrator
Al Pitrelli - leader, guitarist, and original member
Andrew Ross - vocalist, guitarist
Angus Clark - guitarist
Vitali Kuprij - keyboardist
John Lee Middleton - bassist and long-time member
Jane Mangini - keyboardist
Blas Elias - drummer
Asha Mevlana - violinist, leader of Texas chapter of TSO string section
John Brink - vocalist
Jeff Scott Soto - vocalist
Jodi Katz - vocalist
Dino Jelusic - vocalist
Cloe Lowery - vocalist
April Berry - vocalist
Ashley Hollister - vocalist

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Al Pitrelli

John Lee Middleton

Asha Mevlana

Angus Clark

Andrew Ross

Trans-Siberian Orchestra vocalists

Blas Elias

Jane Mangini

Story:

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve is the story of a runaway teenage girl who takes refuge in an abandoned theater on Christmas Eve. The musical performances are ghostly visions from the theater's past. The caretaker of the theater leads the girl through the visions while the narrator tells the audience what is happening in the story. The story was originally filmed as a made-for-television movie in 1999. During TSO's live performances, video clips are presented between each live musical performance

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Al Pitrelli

John Lee Middleton

Asha Mevlana and Blas Elias

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Angus Clark and combined vocalists

Andrew Ross

Setlist:

Night Enchanted
Winter Palace
The Lost Christmas Eve (Andrew Ross vocalist)

Part 1: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night
God King Joy )Jeff Scott Soto and Rosa Laricchiuta vocalists)
Christmas Dreams (Dino Jelusic vocalist)
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)
Christmas Canon Rock (Chloe Lowery, Jodi Katz, April Berry, and Ashley Hollister vocalists)
What Child Is This? (John Brink vocalist)
Music Box Blues (Chloe Lowery vocalist)
First Snow
Promises To Keep (Chloe Lowery vocalist)
This Christmas Day (Jeff Scott Soto vocalist)

Part 2
Wish Liszt (Toy Shop Madness / Christmas Jam)
A Mad Russian's Christmas
Christmas Nights In Blue (Mats Leven vocalist)
Wizards In Winter
Tracers (with Pink Floyd's Shine On intro)
Carmina Burana
Someday (Rosa Laricchiuta vocalist)
Chance (Andrew Ross vocalist)
Madness of Men
Find Our Way Home (Jeff Scott Soto vocalist)
Requiem (The Fifth)
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) reprise with mass choir