This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is performing its rock opera "The Lost Christmas Eve" for the first time ever on its current tour.
Creator Paul O'Neill said turning that song cycle into a laser-and-lights, classical-meets-rock spectacle was one of the few things in life that ever made him nervous. (Another time he was nervous was when TSO debuted another rock opera, "Beethoven's Last Night," in Vienna.)
But, just as in Vienna, audiences have been won over for one reason or another. "The Lost Christmas Eve" is right for the anxious times, O'Neill said, with its "themes of hope and redemption."
Almost two decades after O'Neill conceived of the Christmastime juggernaut, he's grateful that even in the days of the Internet, live music is alive and well. At least when it comes to TSO, which, due to demand for tickets, is playing two Salt Lake City shows in one day.
"On paper, TSO shouldn't work," he said. "All that matters is that you're great."
When • Wednesday, 4 and 8 p.m.Where • EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake CityTickets • $30-$59 at SmithsTix