TSO’s Annual Holiday Tradition Captivates the South Florida Crowd Once Again With Laser Lights and Soaring Guitars  – Review of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL

For those of us ‘repeat offenders’ (the band’s affectionate name for fans who have seen them live more than once) who were under the delusion the Trans-Siberian Orchestra had no more holiday tricks up their sleeves, the audience at the Amerant Arena this evening were pleasantly surprised with new shiny Christmas presents. The band’s Winter Tour 2025, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More, had the extravagance of previous tours, lasers, fireworks, fire, strobe lights, and amazing sound. For 2025, they have taken the production up a few notches by adding drones to the staging at the rear of the arena floor. Quite a magical touch, I must say. Moving in unison with the musicians’ performance high above their heads, certainly gave the audience throughout the arena an ‘ah’, moment and I’m sure thrilled those concert goers closer to the action.

As always, whether you see the East or West Coast ensemble of the band – yes, there are two – you are certain to see one of the best live performances of a lifetime. The group’s musicianship is and has always been top notch.  The band is no slouch when it comes to rocking around the Christmas tree, if there were one present. Presenting the genius of composer, musician, producer, the late Paul O’Neill, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve is one concept of the original holiday trilogy.  A special nod is also given to the 25th anniversary release of Beethoven’s Last Night, another O’Neill masterpiece. The 18 members of TSO, along with the local chapter of the symphonic musicians, (all gracing the stage), bring the holiday spirit full circle in a joyful 2-hour juggernaut. 

There are many musical highlights in this performance. Two of my personal favorites, WHAT CHILD IS THIS, FIND OUR WAY HOME, still give me goosebumps when center stage. Vocalist Chloe Lowery, no matter what solo, what tour, always gives a standing ovation performance with the voice of an angel. Her rendition of PROMISES TO KEEP, this evening, was poignant and graceful. Angus Clark, Al Pitrelli, and Andrew M. Ross, trade searing guitar solos, while Phillip Brandon as the Narrator ties the entire concept together along with video screens and backdrop images. The look of shear delight as Angus, Al and violinist Asha Mevlana made their way through the audience, while stage risers suspended other members of the group high above the stage was a show in itself, and Blas Elias’ 40-foot-high drum solo was inspiring as the heartbeat of the band.

If the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to your city this holiday season, I can’t express to you enough to see them live.  It is a performance you will never forget!