Artist: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Venue: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
Date: 12-19-2005
Opener: n/a

According to my ticket stubs this will be the sixth year that I have gone to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert and as a result I officially declare it a Holiday tradition in my life. By now the music of this amazing group is no longer a mystery to most people and songs such as the signature track of “Christmas Eve Sarajevo” can be considered a staple on mainstream radio during the holiday season. As a matter of fact, the recent years have found both “Christmas Canon Rock” and newer numbers like “Wizards In Winter” also being showcased. This is a good thing since the TSO has so much to offer such a wide audience and the more that hear them then the better it is all around. As I looked back on my year of musical coverage I could not think of a better way to close it out than to see a group that I enjoy so much and in New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden as well. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is the brainchild of Jon Oliva, Bob Kinkel and Paul O’Neill; together the three of them formed something magical that is not easily forgotten once you are caught in its spell. The scope and impact of this group on the Holiday Season led it to have two separate entities formed so proper touring could be facilitated and reach the most people as they possibly can. Given my New York location, we get the talents of the East Coast Company and since this group has my personal favored performers that suits me fine. The part that has become tricky in coverage of this performance is in deciding if one year was better than the last or if I enjoyed it more. I honestly always have a great time as do my friends and the light show seems to get more impressive as each year passes. Musically it remains the same with the beginning portion being the full presentation of “Christmas Eve & Other Stories” which has narration of the story from the CD. All the while the group of performers playing their hearts out. With so many fantastic numbers on this first record I am glad they have kept the format of performing it in full. I feel it is far more effective this way.
Continue reading Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Madison Square Garden (12/19/2005) →