CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Trans Siberian Orchestra will return to the Show Me Center for one night only, performing “Beethoven’s Last Night” on May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

When Paul O'Neill first conceived Trans-Siberian Orchestra, his goal was as straightforward as it was ambitious.

"The whole idea," he explains, "was to create a progressive rock band that would push the boundaries further than any group before, following in the footsteps of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd, the Who...but take it way, way further."

With more than 7 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. On the road, meanwhile, they have become one of the world's top acts including a recent mention in Billboard magazine as one of the top touring artists of the past decade. With a $20 million-plus production that has played to over 7 million people in 80+ cities, selling more than $280 million worth of tickets.

"I wanted to take the very best of all the forms of music I grew up on and merge them into a new style," O'Neill says. "Basically I was building on the work of everybody I worshipped: the rock opera parts from bands like the Who; the marriage of classical and rock from bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Queen; the over-the-top light show from bands like Pink Floyd...I always wanted to do a full rock opera with a full progressive band and at least 18 lead singers."

WHEN: May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DOORS OPEN: 6:30 p.m.

TICKET PRICES: $39.50, $49.50 & $59.50

SEATING CHART: West End Stage

AVAILABILITY: Available at the Show Me Center Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ShowMeCenter.biz or charge by phone at (573) 651-5000.