The Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Posted by Frankly Francis on January 11, 2010 under Music/Musicians | 4 Comments to Read

How can the Holidays be complete without experiencing The Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

For reasons of obvious bias and lack of neutrality, I must state that I have known Trans-Siberian Orchestra Co-Founder and Musical Director, Bob Kinkel, since childhood.  We have never been close to BFF and in many ways are very different, but we have enjoyed performing together back in the days .  Yet, our mutual interests make knowing Bob that much more special to me.  As I am, needless to say, rather proud of him, I look forward to profiling Bob in a future post.

TSO in concert is Spectacular Spectacular!  The combination of so many musicians, the musical arrangements, lighting & pyrotechnic effects, and choreography make for an intense experience.

Each season, the performance (in two sets) is based on the traditional program consisting of the story and songs of “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”  followed by a set of selected TSO songs, this year featuring songs from their new release “Night Castle.”

This was the second time that I have seen TSO perform.  I enjoyed it more than the first.

They certainly have a great outlook.  Here’s what Co-Founder Paul O’Neill recently said in an article in the Detroit Free Press – “”We spend more on pyro in two months than most of the rock world does in an entire year,” O’Neill said with a laugh.  “Our first duty is to the fans, to give them the best show for their dollar. We realize that entertainment is not a necessity of life, but human beings need moments of joy, or at least moments that are stress free. When you’re not worrying about what’s outside the arena, the body gets to recharge its batteries. The underlying story is about hope.”

And they are obviously doing something right as Billboard recently ranked TSO as the highest grossing winter tour.

Frankly Francis, Bob Kinkel & Debbie Backstage 2008

Next Holiday Season, do yourself a favor and spend a night with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I am already looking forward to it.

Frankly,

Francis