Trans-Siberian Orchestra about to rock Abbotsford

By Jacob Zinn
[contributor]

If you thought classical music couldn’t rock, think again.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to B.C. this Saturday, and they’re bringing their blistering arpeggios, blinding lightshow and strobing lasers with them.

The symphonic rockers will perform the 2000 concept album, Beethoven’s Last Night, in its entirety at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre on the final leg of their North American tour.

The 26-song set list features some of Ludwig van’s most famous works, including “Moonlight Sonata”, “Für Elise” and parts of his fifth, sixth and ninth symphonies, and blends them with original compositions.

The album – first performed live in 2010 – tells the fictional tale of Beethoven warding off the devil, who tries to steal the unfinished tenth symphony and the composer’s eternal soul on the night of his death.

The band is known for weaving narration and storytelling between songs, providing a captivating theatrical spectacle accompanied by phenomenal professional musicianship.

This tour marks the last chance to see TSO before they go back in the studio to record their next disc.

The band, founded in 1993 by Paul O’Neill and former Savatage members Jon Oliva, Robert Kinkel and Al Pitrelli, has sold more than eight million albums and sold upwards of nine million concert tickets.

Their live show isn’t one to miss! Expect to see grandparents and headbangers alike taking in the extravaganza, with enough traditional orchestral arrangements and heavy metal to appease fans of genres on both extremes.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra progresses into the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre on April 17. Tickets are on sale through abbotsford for $25.00 to $69.25 plus service charges.