On Sunday, Nov. 24, Rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed two shows at the Moda Center. The 7 p.m. performance offered more than just music — it was an immersive experience that masterfully combined musical genres and storytelling. Each transition between these diverse styles flowed effortlessly, adding depth to the narrative and captivating the audience throughout the evening. The combination of hard-hitting electric guitar solos and symphonic, sweeping orchestral moments added an emotional weight to the performance. The rock elements were sharp and electrifying, with fast-paced guitar riffs and powerful percussion that built momentum. At the same time, the orchestral portions, including strings and brass, lent a grandiose, cinematic quality to the experience. The operatic vocals stood out, soaring through the arena with operatic clarity, harmonizing beautifully with the rock-infused soundscape. The jazz and blues elements brought a sultry, soulful vibe, with smooth rhythms and deep, rich brass melodies that evoked joy and sorrow. The transition between styles added depth, captivating the audience throughout the evening.
Before the performance began, an announcement highlighted the orchestra’s charitable contributions. A portion of ticket sales — $1 per ticket — was donated to the Community Transitional School, a Portland-based nonprofit.
The donation totaled over $5,000, supporting the organization’s mission to provide at-risk children with a stable educational environment to foster academic and personal growth. These children, aged 4 to 14, often come from unstable living conditions such as shelters, motels or cars, as noted on the organization’s website.
The performance opened with the song “Welcome,” as Victorian-style curtains rose to reveal a dramatic stage adorned with the words “welcome to the show” blinking above, setting the stage for an evening of visual spectacles. The narrative unfolded around a man whose heart hardened after losing his wife during childbirth. His premature son, who was never expected to walk or talk, was left at an orphanage. As the story progressed, a mysterious girl in a red jacket appeared, following the man before vanishing. On Christmas Eve, the man finds his now-grown son, who, against the odds, can walk and works in a hospital’s neonatal unit, where he rocks babies who had been abandoned.
In a story twist, the man learns through photographs kept by his son that the girl in the red jacket was the spirit of his late wife as a child. This revelation brings father and son closer, culminating in an emotional reconciliation as the father joins his son in caring for the babies. The son forgives his father, bringing “The Lost Christmas Eve” to a moving conclusion.
Throughout the performance, the music shifted through various moods, from the soulful strains of orchestral music to explosive rock moments that energized the crowd. One standout segment featured a singer suspended inside a snow globe, performing an operatic solo that seamlessly merged with an orchestral rock backdrop, creating a haunting and magical atmosphere. The orchestral arrangements and intricate guitar work intensified the piece’s emotional impact, while the dramatic lighting and pyrotechnics elevated the moment.
As the show progressed, the orchestra masterfully blended genres, including blues and jazz, with each transition enhanced by spectacular theatrical effects floating stages, lasers, smoke, and pyrotechnics, further elevating the performance. The rendition of “Nutrocker” was a crowd favorite, with towering 20-foot nutcracker props adding to the grandeur, while electrifying guitar riffs and soaring vocals maintained the audience’s complete immersion in this larger-than-life experience.
A deeply emotional moment came when lead guitarist and director Al Pitrelli dedicated the song “Believe” to the late Paul O’Neill, co-founder of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Pitrelli, visibly moved, pointed to the sky, and said, “I miss you, my brother,” as the stage lighting shifted into what resembled glowing candles, infusing the evening with a personal, heartfelt tribute.
The performance climaxed with a thunderous rendition of “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” one of TSO’s signature songs. The piece seamlessly fused hard rock, classical music, and stunning pyrotechnics, leaving the crowd in awe and bringing the night to an electrifying close.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra continues to push boundaries, blending music, storytelling, and visual artistry in a way that transports audiences to another world. “The Lost Christmas Eve” remains a shining example of their unique ability to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. As the orchestra prepares to return to Portland next year, the legacy of this performance stands as a testament to their artistry and innovation.
