By Kim Scroggins
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra looks to put on a show that will provide its audience with a little bit of Christmas cheer just before the rush of the holidays.
Nov. 14 will bring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Hartford’s XL Center stage to perform their annual winter show. Although called an orchestra, there is a mix of strings, keyboards and electric guitars that give the group a unique blend of sound that covers multiple genres.
The band, which formed in 1996, combines a musical act with a storytelling twist. Among the laser lights and the fake snow, traditional and original Christmas carols are sung or played to tell the overlooked story of what happens on Christmas Eve.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has over 80 shows planned for this year with some double performances where the group plays both in the afternoon and again in the evening. However many times the group performs in a day, the show is always the same except for a few changes towards the end for some variety.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra currently has five studio albums released with their latest being Night Castle. The band has also done covers of “The Hall of the Mountain King” and “O, Fortuna” and has even been known to surprise their audiences with their own renditions of songs by groups such as Led Zeppelin.
For those who aren’t familiar with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra show, it is divided into two segments. The first half is the narrated Christmas story in which the narrator reminds us that “We are all pursuing magic.” The second half is when they play music from their other albums.
Their song “Wizards in Winter” off of The Lost Christmas Eve has even become the signature song of the Miller Lite commercials when the holiday months approach.
“People should come see TSO live because they like the feeling of old rock live music and an awesome lights show,” management said. “We put on a show that we hope the audience will enjoy every year and one that will keep our fans coming back.”
Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has a little something for everyone, making it a show you won’t want to miss. Tickets for this event are on sale now and show times are 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
