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Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays matinee, evening shows

By Bob Karlovits, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, December 22, 2008

Midday, midweek shows evidently are no problem for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The band, in its seventh Christmas visit here, did matinee and evening concerts at the Mellon Arena, Uptown, Wednesday, which each drew more than 11,000 listeners. The shows created not only 22,000-plus happy fans, but also a traffic tie-up of Manhattan proportions.

As one young listener said about the yearly events: "Man, this has really become a thing."

Indeed. Inside the arena, families of three generations, groups of friends, dates, you name it, settled in for the annual Trans-Siberian symphonic rock blast-off.

The group cranks out rock versions of familiar carols, its own pieces of holiday and non-holiday nature, and searing, electric versions of classics such as "The Fifth," from Ludwig van Beethoven's symphony of the same name,

Half of the show was closely Christmas-oriented, as the band did works from "A Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and "The Ghost of Christmas Eve."

The second half had holiday hits such as "Wizards of Winter" and a closing "Silver Bells," but it also featured powerhouse classics such as its version of Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" from "Carmina Burana."

But the members know there is more to its shows than music. Lead guitarist and host Chris Caffery came onstage for the mid-show introductions wearing a Sidney Crosby sweater, which he then took off to reveal a Hines Ward jersey.

But don't forget those seldom-dimming lasers and lights, bursts of flame, pyrotechnics and that seemingly rocket-propelled musicians platform in the rear of the hall.

Sometimes, it's hard to say what the real show is.

-- Bob Karlovits


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