TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, E Center, West Valley City, Saturday
WEST VALLEY CITY — Finally, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has a stage and light show that matches the magnitude of its symphonic, classically inspired rock music.
This year's production was, as guitarist/band leader Al Pitrelli said, " ... twice as big as it has been in the past." And he wasn't exaggerating.
The sold-out audience was entertained by multiple mobile grids full of stage lights, a full-out laser show, flash pots, flares, strobes and a fistful of manned and computer-programmed spotlights that followed the band as it presented its annual Christmas gift— the rock opera "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" and an array of other songs, including a take on Derek & the Domino's "Layla" and Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee."
When Tony Gaynor's smooth, heartfelt vocal delivery set up scenarios about an angel helping a wayward daughter return home, the concert took on a deeper meaning.
Between the narration, the band — comprised of Pitrelli, guitarist Angus Clark, drummer John O. Reilly, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton, and keyboardists Derek Wieland Jane Mangini Pitrelli — pumped out its trademark versions of classic Christmas carols. "O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night," "First Noel" and a condensed version of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" — called "Mad Russian's Christmas" on the album — were highlighted by the extravagant light show.
In addition to the band, a seven-piece string section — the Salt Lake Strings, comprised of local musicians — led by TSO string leader Anna Phoebe, gave the band's classical arrangements some authentic symphonic flavor.
An array of vocalists also did their part during the heartfelt Yuletide concert. Kristin Gorman, Erin Henry, Steena Hernandez, Bart Shatto, Kelly Keering, Tommy Farese, Mad Max and crowd favorite Guy LeMonnier brought characters to life as the band played along to the captivated audience.
Not only did the band give Utah a musical gift, but it was a charitable one as well. This year the Trans-Siberian Orchestra teamed with Doba, a group affiliated with Overstock.com, to donate $1 for every ticket sold for Saturday night's performance to the Christmas Box House, a charity that benefits abused and neglected children — a donation that climbed to $14,390.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com