We have a Christmas tradition of going to
the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show every holiday season. Well, every
Christmas except this one because there are no concerts now due to the pandemic. They did livestream a show this year but we decided to wait for next year to see the show
on stage as we have in the past.
Even if you are not familiar with this group you probably know some of their Christmas music. They have several popular Christmas albums out. Their music is described as "symphonic metal progressive rock". You get your money's worth when you see this show because they actually put on two shows. The first is a rock opera about a young girl that ran away from home at Christmas. The Christmas music is what I call a mix of classical and rock beautifully performed. They even have part of the local Symphonic Orchestra perform on stage with them and the combination of the musical styles is amazing. Of course, they have all kinds of special effects that you would expect at a concert including real snow falling on the audience during a portion of the show. After the Christmas show the second part of the performance is hard core rock with an occasional classical twist. I’m not good at reviewing or taking photographs of a show like this but I can tell you it is always one of the highlights of our Christmas season.
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I have been busy with Christmas preparations for we will have one son and his family with us for Christmas as we do share a “bubble” as they say. We won’t see any other family but I am glad we can see them at least. I’ve not been good at keeping up with blogging recently but hopefully I will get better after Christmas. I hope everyone is well and enjoying the holiday season as much as you can in these changing times.
We all have to skip this year much of what we love doing in "normal" years for Christmas, don't we. Let's hope next year we can get back to at least some of our traditions! My Mum and I miss going to the sing-along Advent concert. It's only been twice we've been there, but we loved it so much. When I brought my Christmas box upstairs from the basement, the song book from the concert was right on top - I almost cried at the beautiful memory, and for not being able to do that this year.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know you can spend Christmas with your son and his family!
Yes, this year is a bit of a challenge but I am hoping we can all make up for it next year! I'm sorry you will miss the Advent concert with your Mum. That does sound like a wonderful Christmas experience.
DeleteI send all my best wishes for a Merry Christmas for you and your loved ones Meike!
Just had a listen to their take on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Have you come across the four cello band, Apocalyptica?
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with Apocalyptica, however when I asked Tom he said he knew their music well. I will be looking them up to play this afternoon. Thanks for the tip! I hope you are having a good weekend!
DeleteI am, thanks. Same to you! Do check them out!
DeleteI definitely miss going to concerts and shows.
ReplyDeleteWe will be spending Christmas with just our 2 daughters, which I am looking forward to. Normally we have about 18 people and I find that a bit overwhelming.
Tom and I used to go to many concerts each year but we are down to just a few a year now. However this Christmas show we see every year as Kansas City is always on their tour schedule.
DeleteI hope you and your daughters have a wonderful Christmas together! I agree, 18 people would be overwhelming to me too. We will just have a small group this year but that is okay.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Sounds like fun. Are they a local group or a local show?
ReplyDeleteThey are an American group that tours the U.S. and Canada every Christmas. Seeing them has become a fun holiday tradition for us.
DeleteHow wonderful that you have experienced this super show!
ReplyDeleteI never have, but love the music and what is on tv. The live show must be super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greetings from the "North Pole"!
Hello, welcome to my blog! We do enjoy seeing them perform because they put on such a good show. The "North Pole" must be a busy place this time of the year!
DeleteThat sounds like fun. Oh Bonnie, I've missed your posts lately. Don't know why blogging is so hard for me lately. Anyhow, looking back I saw the pictures of your cats watching the Santa bus. That is so cute and would make a good card, and those pictures of the cats climbing the Christmas tree are so funny. It would be fun to not decorate the tree and just enjoy watching the cats. I like your husband's new chair. Poppy sure needs a new one too and we've been looking at them. The one I want for the living room is western styled and made from real cowhide. :) Way too expensive, so we will probably settle for a leather-look recliner we found at (of all places) Big Lots! :) Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas. Love, Henny
ReplyDeleteHi Henny, it's so good to hear from you! I try to post once a week, which isn't much at that, but this year I've been so busy with Christmas preparations. Our cats do bring us a lot of enjoyment especially at Christmas. Recliners are really expensive, aren't they? The one we found for Tom was on a special sale the Monday after Thanksgiving so that is why he got it so early. I hope you find one that Poppy likes.
DeleteThank you for your sweet wishes! I hope you, Poppy, and all those wonderful furry and feathered ones have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! xxx
I'm glad all is as planned. Have a happy and safe year end.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne. I think we are all looking forward to 2021!
DeleteThey make some beautiful music! Happy Christmas Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteYes they do, I love their Christmas music. Merry Christmas to you and Far Guy too!
DeleteHere's to hearing music in person in 2021. Have a safe and lovely Christmas, Bonnie and Tom.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Yes, our TV and computer screens are nice but I much prefer everything in person - especially family and friends! I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!
DeleteOur son iin his early 50s introduced us to Trans-Siberian Orchestra a couple of years ago with their rousing Christmas Sarajevo number. It starts off with a mellow nod to God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and then launch into the Ukrainian Carol (also known as Carol of the Bells). When I pointed out to him what they were actually playing I got a blank stare from my son. Thus the musical heritage is passed from generation to generation.
ReplyDeleteThe Sarajevo song is one of my favorites of their Christmas songs. The fact that they perform their own arrangement of classic Christmas and classical music is what I like most about them. I love classical music and I also love rock music. When combined in the right way it is amazing to me. Besides their Christmas music they do have several other CDs out. One that I love is Beethoven's Last Night which is a rock opera about Beethoven. Somehow I think he would have liked it too.
DeleteI am going to have look on youtube to check them out. I hope next year you get to go.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a spam comment! At least it is not the hate filled ones that I get.
I sure did have a spam comment but I took care of it.
DeleteIf you hear a few of their songs I think you will recognize their music. It is played a lot on the radio and TV Christmas music stations. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season Rose!
This show looks like a wonderful experience Bonnie especially with the falling snow part in the show! I hope you get to see them in person next year. Have a lovely holiday season. x
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see you Simone. Yes, I hope we all will be able to do more of our traditional activities next year. Thank you again for sharing your art on your blog. I always enjoy it! I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Simone! I appreciate your friendship!
DeleteJust popping in here to wish you and Tom (and your family) a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, how nice to see you here! Thank you for your good wishes. I hope you and Gregg have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2021 eventually has to get better!
DeleteMy very best wishes to you and your loved ones, Bonnie, for the Festive Season and beyond. Take very good care. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Lee. I hope all is well with you and the coming days bring you happiness and peace. You take good care too!
DeleteHappy Christmas Bonnie.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed your comment until now. I hope you had a very Happy Christmas Yael and you and your loved ones are all well. Thank you for stopping by.
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