Trans-Siberian Orchestra has performed in Grand Forks before, but its concert Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena will bring a new production of its "rock theater" brand to town -- a show based on the legendary composer and musician Beethoven.
"Beethoven's Last Night" will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ralph, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The show is part of a three-month spring tour traveling to more than 60 U.S. markets.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is performing "Beethoven's Last Night" for one final tour before the band begins to focus on its new album and new live concert, a news release said. "Beethoven's Last Night" will combine virtuoso musicianship, storytelling and the over-the-top production values that are a TSO trademark.
The music and the story is about the famed composer battling for his eternal soul. By the time he was 21, Beethoven had tackled Vienna, at the time the music capitol of the world, TSO creator Paul O'Neill said. Mozart recognized him as one of the greatest pianists in the world, but Beethoven's world soon would crash around him. At 25, Beethoven realized he was losing his hearing.
"He could have given up on his music and life, and no one would have judged him harshly but instead he went on to write some of the greatest compositions ever created," O'Neill said in a news release.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra has album sales in excess of
8 million, a news release said. The group debuted in 1996 and all three of its holiday themed albums did very well, returning each year to "Billboard's "Top Chart Albums" and "Top Holiday Albums" charts.
Its holiday shows remain popular, but TSO has grown to perform year-round what creator, writer and producer O'Neill has called "rock theater." It found even more fans when PBS aired some of its performances.
Off the road, TSO picks up and works on new projects such as "Gutter Ballet," which TSO previewed during its winter tour, and "Romanov: When Kings Must Whisper."
Wal-Mart currently has available a two-disc edition of "Beethoven's Last Night" which includes unreleased narration featured during live performances. The digital version will be available Tuesday.
If you go
- What: "Beethoven's Last Night" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- When and where: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks. Doors open, 6:30 p.m.
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- Tickets: $37, $47, $57; available at Ralph Engelstad box office and through Ticketmaster outlets, including charge by phone, (800) 745-3000
- Onsite parking: $10; VIP parking, $20
