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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Finds Reason For the Season with The Lost Christmas Eve in Nashville
by Rich and Laura Lynch
The musical ensemble known as Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) returned to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on December 11, 2024 to share their ALL-NEW version of The Lost Christmas Eve - the final chapter of TSO's Christmas trilogy.
Roddy Chong and Chris Caffery take center stage as TSO takes off in Nashville.
With so much ground to cover during the holiday season the troupe is composed of two touring groups - TSO East and TSO West - who will be on the road through December 30th to present fan-favorites woven into timeless tales of dreams, hopes and redemption.
TSO has their own long-standing Christmas tradition of donating one dollar from each paid ticket sale to a local organization. So, in Nashville, TSO East's longtime band member and guitarist Chris Caffery presented a sizable check to the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Jeff Plate, Russell Allen and Joel Hoekstra were just a few of the stars displaying their talents in Music City.
Soon after, the large Trans-Siberian Orchestra festooned curtain dropped and right from the very first note lots of lasers, lights and vibrant visuals were scored to music via a soundtrack that relied heavily on heavy metal and progressive rock tones. All the props paired with a full band with keys, strings and vocalists make for an energized and extravagant production so it is no wonder that this concert is a cherished annual event for many.
TSO opened with a wild "Welcome" (Savatage cover) melding into a magical "Moonlight and Madness". Narrator Brian Hicks strolled out to navigate Nashville through a Christmas Eve story. This year's account found us hanging out in a blues bar with a lonely businessman. At the drinking establishment we enjoyed a number of rocking numbers as the protagonist's past unfolded. He leaves the pub finding no joy there but continues to confront his history through more musical scenes.
Chris Caffery introduces the singers in the band after the first set was complete.
TSO is known for combining their innovative originals with beloved Christmas songs such as the "First Noel" and later "O Come Let Us Adore Him" earning the female vocalist Kelsie Watts a standing ovation in one of the quieter segments of the night that was also perhaps one of the more memorable moments in all the years we have been covering TSO in concert.
"What Child Is This" was another high point and around that time the main character in the story accepts the gift of love and forgiveness. Brian put an exclamation point on the tale with a reminder that it is never too late to change.
More scenes from The Lost Christmas Eve in Nashville.
The second set was a pageantry of classical meets progressive metal enhanced with moments of fire, moving platforms and musicianship in the highest order. This year's version of "Nutrocker" (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky cover) was almost scary with Halloween inspired images.
Their "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" was a complex piece describing a lone cellist (based on Vedran Smailovic) playing a forgotten Christmas carol in war-torn Sarajevo. Thus, a dramatic story full of sorrow and hope brought the concert to an emotional end as only the Wizards of Winter known as Trans-Siberian Orchestra can.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt was this recipient of TSO's generous donation in 2024.
Both TSO East and West have top level crews, dancers, instrumentalists, techs and vocalists who year after year deliver an animated production. Their shows have become a tradition for plenty which is why there are two talented touring groups who sometimes play more than one show per day to meet the seasonal demand. So, when they come to town you may want to add TSO to your holiday wish list.
The Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Nashville is a seven-time ACM Arena of the Year award winner (2009, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024) and three-time Pollstar Magazine Arena Year of the Award claiming the title in 2014, 2017 and 2023. This popular venue is home ice to the NHL's Predators and it also hosts a wide selection of shows such as TSO with plenty more scheduled for 2025.
The Bridgestone Arena was covered in pre-show digital promotion for the evening's concert.
Related Links:
For more information on TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
TSO Goes Global With Powerful New Production in Nashville |
TSO Returns with a Timeless Seasonal Occasion in Nashville |
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Electrifies in Return to Music City |
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt |
Bridgestone Arena
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