It’s Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Sure, you could do the things you usually do on a Wednesday afternoon and evening in December. But you could also have your entire world transformed for a period of 2.5 hours that will recharge you and change you forever.

On December 21 this year, the massive Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is landing in Chicago in its annual tour that will visit over 50 US cities. The TSO will perform two shows on the day, at 15:00 and at 20:00 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

What can you expect?

This year, TSO returns with “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More”. Fans and newbies alike will be transported to another world in which progressive rock music is combined with orchestral melodies to bring you the decade’s most awe-inspiring performance.

In a past interview, TSO founder Paul O’Neill stated that audiences will be fully absorbed by the massive and impressive pyrotechnics, lasers, lights, and musical performance. All these come together to create a production that will transport you to another place. His advice then was to “leave your problems in the car” because the TSO will certainly make you forget them for the 2.5 hours you’re there.

“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More” is based on the 1999 film made for television, that premiered on Fox Family on December 14, that same year. The story follows a runaway on Christmas Eve, who ends up in an abandoned theater where old ghostly visions of the theater’s past reveal themselves to her. The TSO’s lineup of songs weave the story together and include:

  • “O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night”
  • “Good King Joy”
  • “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (featuring Jewel)
  • “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”
  • “Christmas Canon”
  • “O Holy Night” (featuring Michael Crawford)
  • “Music Box Blues”
  • “Promises to Keep”
  • “This Christmas Day”
  • “First Snow”

The TSO has performed these songs and more live during its winter shows in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The spectacle returns in this year’s winter tour and is not to be missed!

Founding member

Founded in 1996 by the late Paul O’Neill, who passed away in Florida in 2017, the TSO is a global musical act that has been described by Billboard magazine as “one of the top touring artists of the past decade”. What led them to this conclusion and high appraisal of the spectacle? It’s easy.

The TSO is a $20 million-plus production that has played to over 100 million people in over 80 cities, selling more than $280 million worth of tickets, and presenting $11 million to charity.

Who are the current masterminds behind the TSO?

There are over 36 musicians and singers bringing the show together. But none of this would be possible without the composing team that brings every performance to life. Today, it consists of Jon Oliva (composer), Robert Kinkel (composer, co-producer, keyboardist), and Al Pitrelli (music director, lead guitarist). Each of these members has worked closely with O’Neill to bring his vision to life.

But not only this, they are talents in their own right. Having toured with previous bands before, working in the American music industry, and bringing their originality to the table, they produce the spectacular performance that we all know and love as the TSO.

What sets them apart from the rest?

One thing that sets the TSO apart from all the rest is their timeless nature. O’Neill’s influences included multiple classical composers and global artists such as Pink Floyd and Queen, to name just a few. With this behind him, the TSO was created to appeal to millions of fans that span all age groups. In fact, it’s not uncommon for fans who experienced TSO performances in their teens to now bring their children along to the concerts. Clearly signaling that the TSO is a show that transcends age and a whole host of other factors.

Despite O’Neill’s passing, the musical group continues to rock audiences worldwide. The musical “family” is split into two sections. One tours the east coast of the US while the other tours the west. In either case, with two stages where your mind will be blown at the intricacies, level of detail, and the musical magic that is produced, fans in any location will experience the wonder and exhilaration that TSO produces each and every time.

Getting there

The Allstate Arena is located in Rosemont, Illinois. A popular setting for a multitude of different events, let the TSO rock you and your friends and loved ones on December 21st! This is a not-to-be-missed musical spectacle that will transport you across time and space.

We understand that musical performances of this size and nature can be overwhelming to manage practically for some. So, if the logistics of getting there are a concern, rest assured that we’ve got you covered.

At Bus Connection, we ensure that you’re picked up and dropped off at the right place at the right time. You and your loved ones don’t have to worry about finding parking beforehand or waiting for the hordes of vehicles to exit in order to get home. We take the worry about transportation completely away and leave you to have a phenomenal time. Once done, we’ll be right there to pick you up from the Allstate Arena and get you home safely. Just one more reason to book your tickets for the 21st soon!