Concert Reviews

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Lights Up Iowa

November 17, 2021 – Mid-America Center – Council Bluffs, IA

On Wednesday night November 17, 2021, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s 2021 winter tour, “Christmas Eve & Other Stories”, made a stop at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Thousands of concert-goers packed the venue to witness the 25th anniversary of the band’s formation, and they got their money’s worth!

This was the first time I got to experience the spectacle of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and from the opening song, to the last note that was played, I was in awe.  The group is filled with so much talent, ranging from singers, dancers, musicians, and the production crew.  Lights, smoke, lasers, moving trussels, fire, huge video screens, and even at one time, “snow”, filled the arena, and had the audience wanting more.  They played for a little over 2 hours, and mentioned many times how happy they were to be back on tour, and how thankful they were for the crowd in attendance.  This was definitely a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Since their formation in 1996, the group has sold over 10 million albums and over 10 million concert tickets, and their popularity has only continued to increase.  The production value alone, is worth the price of admission, but when you add in the dynamic singing voices and spectacular musicians, the concert gets taken to another level.  I wasn’t aware of it before that night, but apparently, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes frequent yearly stops in the midwest.  This is the start of a new tradition for me, because I’ll definitely be attending again.  If you get the chance, I highly recommend seeing them live.  You won’t be disappointed!

November 17, 2021 Set List:

  • Welcome
  • Beethoven
  • An Angel Came Down
  • O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night
  • The Prince of Peace
  • First Snow
  • A Mad Russian’s Christmas
  • Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)
  • Good King Joy
  • Ornament
  • Old City Bar
  • Promises to Keep
  • This Christmas Day
  • An Angel Returned
  • Mozart and Memories / The Mountain
  • Joy of Man’s Desire / Angels We Have Heard On High
  • Christmas Canon Rock
  • The Three Kings and I / Christmas Jam
  • A Little Too Far
  • Carmina Burana
  • Wizards in Winter
  • Requiem (The Fifth)
  • Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise)
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