Combine classical music with heavy metal and rock opera, add touches of an ’80s hair band , lasers, blinding lights and the odd fireball and together you get the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
This unusual combination of genres combined on Saturday night for an amazing, visually-stunning and ear-splitting show that left the more than 4,000 fans at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre standing on their feet, cheering for more.
Using music, visual props, singers, dancers and a narrator, the group told the story of Beethoven’s Last Night, a tale featuring the legendary composer who, after an offer from Satan, has to choose between his music and his soul.
For those who have never been to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra performance, everything about it is big and bold.
The singers all have powerful voices which express strong emotions as well as moving the story along. The dance numbers are crisp and full of large movements.
The special effects are dazzling to watch and feature video and other special effects. When fire shoots 20 feet into the air, all across the stage, the audience knows Satan has arrived.
There is little subtlety to the performance.
But the greatest aspect of this show, by far, is the music.
From electric guitar riffs to the violin solo, the beating of the drums and the keyboardist’s melodies, the group takes Beethoven’s work to a different level. One that could make a whole new generation appreciate classical music.
As hinted in the story, Beethoven’s music inspired other composers to write, generation upon generation, until we have the music of today.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra bridges the gap between then and now.
