Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Saturday, December 11

Cue Lights, Music, Fog!

Where else could you find a pair of head-banging rock enthusiasts sitting next to your grandparents gleefully cheering on holiday tunes? At the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert of course! Add one part holiday music, one part classic rock, a laser light show, hundreds of gallons of fog, mist, and fake snow, and you get an idea of the vision that Al Petrelli had when directing this year’s production of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

This interview appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on December 17, 2003. In the interview, reporter, Nick Carter, questions Al Petrelli, guitarist and music director of TSO. www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/music/dec03/193423.asp

Q. Someone once described the show as Holiday on Ice for ‘80s metal fans. Fair?
A. Ha! Fine by me. That means I should have plenty of employment for years to come. Basically, the orchestra is a drawn-out rock band with all the trappings – lights, fog, lasers – and draped in a Holiday spirit…Our concerts have become a yearly tradition for many families.

Q. How much machine-made mist does the orchestra go through in a given show?
A. Oh, I don’t know, couldn’t give you a precise amount. But I can honestly say that there is absolutely no point during the production where there is no fog in the setting or smoke-machine mist accompanying the band. Far more than what you’d find at most rock concerts – and I can say more than you’ll find in any other orchestra.

Q. What’s the ratio of holiday classics to hard-rock material, classic or not?
A. About 40% traditional holiday tunes, 40% classics and 20% contemporary rock – but all supplied with rock edges. The set runs from “Carol of the Bells” to “The Marriage of Figaro” to Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” to Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” – and yes, all in one night.

Q. Where was the orchestra’s first show, and how did it go over?
A. The first show ever was back in ’99 at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, the opening night of a weeklong stint. It was a surprise for all: us, the band and the audience. We played before 10,000 people over those seven shows. And we’ve kept pretty much the same format. The first half of the performance features the traditional carols and holiday classics. The second is a mix of classics and classic rock, all delivered with a grandiose, hard-rock edge.

Q. What’s the source of the name?
A. Paul came up with it. He wanted something that transcended existing music divides – that, and it made for a cool abbreviation. No, there is no direct connection to Siberia. Most of the orchestra members are either Irish or Italian.

Tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center Saturday, December 11 at 8PM are $36, $41 and $51 and are ON SALE NOW at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and San Marcos; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com.

Celebrate the Season at the Pre-Show Dinner!

Before the Trans-Siberian Orchestra sets your spirits soaring with their dazzling performance on Saturday, December 11, come and celebrate the season with us at our special VIP “Holiday” Pre-Show Dinner in the Lone Star Room at the Frank Erwin Center.

Bring your family, friends, and colleagues out for an evening sure to leave you in total orchestral bliss! Doors will open at 6PM and you will enjoy a delicious dinner with all the trimmings followed by an 8PM concert by some of the most captivating musicians of today. A cash bar will be available and there will be no waiting in line for tickets or parking because we will provide you with preferred parking and your tickets are mailed in advance.

Make your reservations by contacting our Group Sales department at 512/471-7744. VIP Packages for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are $79 and $69 and include a concert ticket, dinner ticket, parking in University of Texas Trinity parking garage (subject to space availability) and entrance through Red River doors.

MENU

Caesar Salad

Peppercorn Crusted Sirloin
with Port Demi Glace

Parmesan Chicken With
Tomato Basil Sauce

Sauteed Baby Spinach
and Mushrooms

Wild Rice

Rolls and Butter

Carrot Cake

Iced Tea and Coffee

Orders are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Concert seats will be assigned when payment is received. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PAID IN FULL WHEN RESERVATIONS ARE MADE. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and checks made payable to the University of Texas are acceptable methods of payment. Seating availability will be limited. There will be NO appearance by Trans-Siberian Orchestra during the dinner.