TSO @ San Jose
Monday, November 17, 7:21 PM
Nov 16th. Sunday night was spent not doing last minute homework, but instead, watching the astonishing Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert in the HP Pavilion. There, the audience was dazzled with lights and classical music fused with a rock influence in this year's Winter Tour. Awaiting the pyrotechnics and laser lights show, the venue was packed even before this rock opera began. It has been more than 10 years since the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) was created and they have gained many devout fans since then. The Orchestra have kept busy, travelling across the nation. A mixture of rock, guitars, classical music and angelic voices, the Orchestra was founded in 1996 by three ambitious music lovers: renowned composers Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel, and Savatage lead singer Jon Oliva. It has grown into an orchestra composed of over 60 people. The group lives up to their rather eccentric name, which was inspired by the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, in the concept that it connects many cultures otherwise isolated--much like music.
The show started promptly at 7:30pm with a musical play. This was the story of a lonely father, his daughter stationed with the troops, random acts of kindness and an angel in search of a good person. There was no bolder voice than Bryan Hicks, our narrator for the night. Settling in our seats, we didn't think it was possible to hear the singers as well, but we were quickly proven wrong. Audience members could not deny the proud voices of the vocals. Children and adults alike were delighted in joy and amusement. The women were angelic chorus, and the men, strong ear-pleasing voices. Anyone would recognize Joy to the World to Mad Russian's Christmas and other Holiday classics present that night. The audience was wrapped up in silence all until the last notes vocalist Jeff Scott Soto bolted out in Hark! The Herald Angels Cry. The night was followed by song, narration, and medley. There were elements of snow, fire and glamour generated by incredible lighting and stage effects. The atmosphere, never lacked in magic; TSO was joined by a dozen members of our very own San Jose Chamber Orchestra tonight.
Among the Christmas carols led by electric guitars, the pianists had their share of limelight as well. Lucinda Butler and Derek Wieland dueled off with pieces of original work and the lights were brighter than ever. Then, a familiar tune graced our ears. Could it be? Yes, it was Good Ole Charlie Brown! The chorus appeared once more on the stage, dancing to the tune; the electric guitars transformed the music into an edgy Flight of the Bumblebee. The highlight of the evening came after these dueling pianists' solos. The Orchestra gathered once more for the spectacular finale; a medley ending in Beethoven's A Last Illusion. If Las Vegas were ever to explode, this would be how it would look like. Bright lights. Lasers and Spotlights. Stars flying off the wall. Flames high enough to reach our Row 12, Section 214 seats. The heat was on, and the audience members could definably feel it. Singers were raised on a jet-powered platform (actually by crane) and the show was nothing short of extravagant. The holiday season has not yet begun, but at the concert, it felt otherwise.
Ending the night, audience members clapped along to everything the Orchestra threw at them. Leaving was a shame, but knowing we spent the night sitting through TSO concert was a happy feeling. It is possible to be captivated with such a musical act the first time--which was my case, and one could feel relieved that classical music can still be a joy to listen to. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra literally shook my world as one of the firsts who took it upon themselves to reinvent Beethoven and Christmas melodies for the modern-age. The group is currently still on tour, making their next stops at Anaheim, Nov. 21st and San Diego, Nov. 22nd. May we wish them good luck and hope to see them back in San Jose next year. Until then, we'll sit at home listening to last CD album. For those who are interested, later tour dates can be found at: http://www.trans-siberian.com/ with tickets ranging from $35-$49. CDs and video recordings of the November 16th concert can be found online.
