The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is well known for their elaborate, rock-opera style Christmas shows filled with lights, lasers, smoke machines, and other special effects. But while the production value is extremely high, TSO concert tickets can also come with a hefty price tag. So is seeing TSO live really worth the cost?
What is TSO?
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a progressive rock band founded in 1996 by producer Paul O’Neill along with Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli of the band Savatage. They are best known for their rock opera Christmas albums and tours, which feature a mix of original songs and rock covers of Christmas classics.
Some key things to know about TSO:
- TSO has released 13 albums, with 6 Christmas/holiday themed albums.
- TSO does an annual Christmas tour from November through December, usually playing 80+ shows.
- TSO concerts feature elaborate production with synchronized lights and screens, lasers, smoke, pyro effects, stories, and narration.
- The band has a rotating membership of over 60 musicians, allowing them to tour with two simultaneous groups.
- Over 10 million people have attended a TSO concert since they began touring in 1999.
What’s the concert experience like?
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts are known for being an immersive, theatrical experience, beyond just a standard rock concert. Here are some of the things you can expect at a TSO show:
- Elaborate staging and visual effects – Tons of colorful lights, lasers, smoke machines, snow machines, pyro, and large video screens with synchronized visuals.
- Rock opera format – Songs flow continuously together with stories/narration to create a musical production.
- Huge touring productions – Multiple stages, walkways, drum rigs that rotate 360 degrees, and ramps going into the audience.
- Costumes and characters – Band members dress in rock opera-style costumes with long hair and Gothic looks.
- High energy – Constantly moving with touring musicians playing different roles. Songs seamlessly transition between hard rock, classical, and progressive elements.
- Holiday music – The Christmas shows feature rock interpretations of holiday classics mixed with originals.
Many fans compare the experience to seeing a Broadway show meet a rock concert. The production value is off the charts for a concert tour.
What kind of setlist do they play?
For the annual Christmas tours, TSO plays songs that create an audiovisual rock opera relating the story of Christmas. This includes:
- Original holiday songs – Examples: “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful”, “Good King Joy”
- Rock covers of Christmas classics – “Carol of the Bells”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Mad Russian’s Christmas”
- Some of their non-holiday hits – “Wizards in Winter”, “Music Box Blues”
- Classical pieces – “Canon in D Major”, “Mozart’s Requiem”
- New songs mixed in every few years
The setlist has evolved over the years but contains mainly the same core songs with some rotations. The shows are also known for featuring extended jams and instrumentals to showcase the musicians.
How much do tickets cost?
TSO concert tickets are not cheap. Here are some average price ranges:
Seat Location | Average Cost |
---|---|
Nosebleed seats | $50 – $75+ |
Mid-level seating | $75 – $150 |
Floor seats | $125 – $300+ |
VIP/Meet & Greet packages | $250+ |
Prices can vary depending on the city and demand. The best seats in the center of the floor can reach $300+ per ticket from resellers.
Is it worth the high ticket cost?
Whether the concert experience justifies the ticket price depends on your perspective and interests. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- One-of-a-kind production – The lights/visuals synced to the music create an immersive experience you can’t replicate at home.
- Seeing virtuoso musicians – World class guitarists, violinists, drummers, and singers.
- Hearing your favorite holiday songs in rock versions
- Gets you into the Christmas spirit
- Appeals to wide age range – Enjoyable for kids, teens, adults, seniors
- VIP packages let you meet band members
Cons
- Tickets can be very expensive – Especially closer seats
- Short concerts for time/money – Average under 2 hour long shows
- Repetitive holiday setlist year after year
- Not a spontaneous concert – Very precise, controlled show leaving little room for improv or requests
- Mostly hear studio recordings played live, not reinvented
Conclusion
TSO concerts are definitely on the expensive side, but fans argue the full theatrical production and performers make it worthwhile – especially if you love the holiday music. It offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience during the Christmas season. The production is extremely polished too. If you’re looking for those elements or want to check it off your concert bucket list, TSO is highly recommended.
But if you’re not a huge fan of their studio music, or want something more improvised, it may not be worth the ticket cost. The setlist stays mostly the same each tour. Consider your budget, seating options in your area, and overall interest in the TSO experience when deciding if tickets are worth it for you.