Legendary Greek composer Yanni is about to embark on his biggest project yet that will include a tour of Australia in 2013. The composer and live performer brings together a world-wide audience, united in their chance to experience the magic of his music through linked broadcasts.
He has already begun his world tour, including playing two sold-out concerts at the 16th-century Castillo San Felipe Del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico that were also named one of public televisions all time top fundraisers.
Born Yanni Chryssomallis in Kalamata, southern Greece Yanni spent his adult life in the US. A self-taught musician who continues to use the musical shorthand that he developed as a child, Yanni has blended jazz, classical, soft rock, and world music to create predominantly instrumental works. In the US, he attended the University of Minnesota, who in 2005, gave him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
He studied psychology, but ultimately dedicated himself to music. At school, he played with the group Chameleon before moving to Los Angeles, where he released his first album, Optimystique, in 1980. Yanni delved into instrumental composing, and had his first platinum album with Reflections of Passion in 1990. Two years later, Dare To Dream netted his first Grammy nomination; its follow up, In My Time, earned another nod.
Yanni’s major breakthrough came with 1993’s Yanni Live at the Acropolis, an album/video/PBS project seen by half a billion people in 65 countries. It marked the beginning of Yanni’s long association with PBS, and built a truly global audience for his music. To date, Yanni has sold more than 35 million albums globally, and his 2003 autobiography, Yanni In Words, made the New York Times bestseller list.
His music is also a staple as a soundtrack for television, especially major sporting events, including the Olympic Games since 1988. Over several years, Yanni’s studio explorations have resulted in more than 300 songs. He has also toured extensively, performing sold-out concerts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Even as the road beckons once again, Yanni’s heart also remains in studio with all the music he’s created of late.
“I’ve been having fun,” he says. “What I’ve learned is when a song hits you, when something moves you to write, it’s an emotion. All of life comes together, and you have to follow it. I want to take my audiences on a journey. They don’t know what’s coming next, but I promise it will be a pleasant surprise.”
Yanni will tour Australia in 2013: Brisbane, Entertainment Centre, Tuesday 15 January; Sydney, Entertainment Centre, Thursday 17 January; Melbourne, Palais Theatre, Saturday 19 January; Adelaide, Entertainment Centre, Wednesday 23 January; and Perth, Perth Arena, Saturday 26 January.
