The touring tradition of Trans-Siberian Orchestra just turned 21 and the group used the occasion to go all the way back to those very beginnings, but with a twist.

Building upon its beloved original show, “The All-New Christmas Eve And Other Stories” pumped up the production that’s progressed exponentially as it filled up much of the matinee at the Allstate Arena (with an evening edition to go).

Not only did it close out the symphonic rockers’ busiest season and all of 2019, but it capped the entire decade with a dazzling display, thanks to hydraulic lifts, lasers, fireballs and practically any special effect imaginable, alongside a musical melding of symphonic, progressive, classic (and classical) rock n’ roll.

Following the striking though not necessarily winter-specific “Who Am I,” the “Christmas Eve And Other Stories” portion boasted multiple modern standards such as “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “Promises To Keep” and “This Christmas Day,” all sewn together by a healing, hopeful message sure to touch anyone, regardless of the holiday they celebrate.

That segment would’ve easily made a thoroughly satisfying afternoon on its own accord, but was accompanied by an equally lengthy second half of tracks that either kept expanding upon the snowy sentiments or displayed Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s ambitions throughout standard studio collections.

There was a chilling journey through “The Storm/The Mountain,” a few super-sized searches for “The Lost Christmas Eve,” plus the orchestral-focused “Mozart/Figaro,” “Beethoven” and “Requiem (The Fifth).”

Yet it was the brand new debut of the bittersweet ballad “Hey, Can You Hear Me Now?” that was written by late leader/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill long before the band began, but just discovered on a cassette tape lying around the recording studio and brought to much deserved-light.

In addition to honoring his memory, its poignant inclusion kept the door open for the next generation of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which if its epic rise offered any indication, is poised to be another exhilarating chapter.

Click here for more photos of Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Allstate Arena.

For additional information on Trans-Siberian Orchestra, visit Trans-Siberian.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Post Malone (Feb. 11); Ana Gabriel (Feb. 14); The Lumineers (Feb. 21-22); Blake Shelton (Mar. 19); JoJo Siwa (Apr. 14); Reba (Apr. 24); Banda MS (May 1); Niall Horan (May 9); Five Finger Death Punch (May 19); Lauren Daigle (June 18); Chicago and Rick Springfield (Aug. 1) and Camila Cabello (Sept. 9). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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