Trans-Siberian Orchestra Nationwide Arena Columbus, Oh December 18, 2011

After a brief introduction and a presentation of a check to the Columbus Zoo, the first half of their show began. Clean and polished the first act was a modern re-telling of an original Christmas story. Each of their songs was preceded by a narration by perhaps one of the greatest orators of all time, and it would set the tone and pacing for the song to follow. This in of itself was the reason for the genius of this part of the concert.

Some bands seem to forget that there is more to a great concert than just the music itself. After all, if the fans just wanted to hear the music, they probably have the CDs and MP3s to listen to at their leisure. The reason they come to arenas, concert halls and bars is for the show. TSO used every inch of the stage to their advantage. And when just that space wasn’t enough, the artists would go out into the crowd, or even onto a catwalk suspended above the pit section. The lights, the backdrop, the fog and even the artificial snow all came together with the music in a way that was thoroughly intoxicating.

The amount of energy emanating from the performers was completely intoxicating. It was impossible to not be swept away in the moments. They would engage the audience, encouraging clapping and screaming throughout and even going out into the crowd to play. Their violinist was more energetic than the average lead singer – which was just impressive to see someone in a full tuxedo leaping from stage outcropping to main stage playing the violin in the midst of a solo and never losing pace or beat.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring moment came toward the middle of the first half of the show. The narrator was telling the story of an angel going to different parts of the world to see how Christmas was being celebrated. He told the story of a war-ravaged land, and his own heart-wrenching experience hearing that someone was claiming that God had told them to kill. However, among the rubble and craters he heard a single solo cello, playing an ominous tune. TSO begins playing perhaps their most popular song, “Carol of the Bells.” It was enough to send chills down the spines of everyone in attendance.

The second half of the show featured songs of their other albums. Although there wasn’t any narrative to accompany the music, it was still a very amazing show. The only critique to be made about the show itself would be for someone who was in the pit during the show. With all of the lights and fake fog going nearly constantly, it would often rest upon the crowd, which could get annoying, particularly to anyone with sensitive eyes. It is a small price to pay for proximity and ambience, and it would be glorified nitpicking to hold something like that against them.

Some years, it is harder to get into the holiday season. The over commercialization of Christmas – including decorations going up as early as Labor Day – and the warm weather has made it virtually impossible to embrace the season. This concert is enough to get anyone in the mood for Christmas. The music they play is powerful, chilling and truly moving. Classical music combined with Christmas music done so with a hard rock style is completely innovative and they do it with a natural flow that is otherwise unheard of. The visual effects were a perfect complement to the show. The performers were energetic, charismatic and entertaining. The show was structured in a way that, regardless of your seat, the show was equally enjoyable. It was the perfect concert that has something for everyone.

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