Two nights before Christmas, the Trans Siberian Orchestra, took over Washington DC at Capital One Arena. Not for one show BUT TWO! TSO are very well known for their insane light shows and beautiful Christmas music with a few twists to make them very unique. What also makes this tour so special is that its the 20th anniversary of TSO. With some road bumps and losing a few of their greatest members along the way, the orchestra still pays their respects and continues to give their dedicated fans the traditions and show they all know and love to this day.
TSO usually plays 2 halves of a set. The first half being their The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve story, and then the second half being non stop music from their greatest hits.
Story teller Bryan Hicks takes the stage again to tell the story throughout the first half of the show. And in between his narrative, the songs that were played consisted of Good King Joy, Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) , Music Box Blues and ended
with This Christmas Day.
After the story, Bryan Hicks said his goodbyes and lead guitarist Chris Cafferty took a moment to introduce the whole band/vocalists, as he always does. He even acknowledged the guest string section. Every year at each stop TSO has local talented musicians take the stage along side the rest of the band. As he ended the introduction the band immediately began the second half of the show, starting with Siberian Sleigh Ride. Throughout the second half of the set some songs included Beethoven, Wizards in Winter, A Mad Russians Christmas and ended the night with a reprise of Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).
Yet again Trans Siberian Orchestra proves that they are still one of the most incredible orchestras you can ever see live, not because of the insane light show and incredible music, but the traditions they stand for during the holiday season.