Yanni, who’s graced the world’s greatest stages, is bringing his act to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
He’s performed in ancient structures where pharaohs were entombed, emperors lived and Julius Caesar rebuilt: the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Beijing’s Forbidden City and Tunisia’s Roman Theatre of Carthage.
On Monday, Yanni, the international superstar and popular recording artist, will play in an opera house of prestige and recognition: Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Thousands flock to see the self-taught pianist and composer perform songs like “Whispers in the Dark,” “Desire” and “Secret Vows,” and to date, he has nearly 40 international fan clubs.
Yiannis Chryssomallis, by birth, from Kalamata, Greece, has sold millions of albums and concert tickets worldwide, and he’s raised more money for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) than Big Bird.
He also has women calling him charming, strikingly handsome and mystic.
And they’re all clamoring for a peck.
“One kiss per show,” Yanni, 62, said, with a laugh.
It’s a busy life.
He’s in the midst of preparing for his upcoming tour, “An Evening in Conversation with Yanni and his Piano,” where for the first time, fans will be given the opportunity to talk with him.
Without the backing of an orchestra, Yanni will play from his piano from time to time throughout the show, and he plans to step off the concert stage to interact with fans in a more intimate and personal way.
He’ll share his experiences traveling the globe, his understandings of cultures and his experience in planning and performing shows in some of the most revered places in the world.
Fans are encouraged to ask him anything.
“Over the years I was playing with big orchestras, but I wanted to get close with my audience,” Yanni said. “I could see they wanted to ask questions. I wanted to see their faces, their eyes, and now it’s like lifting a veil that always existed. No two concerts are alike.”
It’s an experience fans haven’t seen before because each evening will be unscripted, and the conversation will go wherever the audience questions lead, Yanni said.
He wishes to engage his audience with his composing process while demonstrating live illustrations on the piano, and also exchanging ideas and telling stories and philosophies.
His style blends contemporary instrumental and world music, often performing updated versions of famous classical melodies.
At least 16 of Yanni’s albums have peaked at No. 1 in Billboard’s “Top New Age Album” category, and two albums received Grammy Award nominations.
He has been awarded more than 40 platinum and gold albums worldwide and sold more than 25 million albums globally. More than 500 million people in over 140 countries have seen and heard his live performances.
Yanni played piano at age 6, without formal training.
At 18, he moved to the U.S. to attend the University of Minnesota, majoring in psychology. During his time as a student, he played in a local rock band and studied piano and other keyboard instruments, teaching himself musical shorthand.
He recorded his first album in 1980 with Atlantic Records. Best-selling records, videos and overcrowded concerts soon followed.
Charitable and humanitarian activities remain close to his heart, as he continues to support children, music and education in the cities he visits.
Since the early years of his career, Yanni has raised millions of dollars for PBS, assisted the conservation efforts of the World Wide Fund for Nature and was the first artist to be honored with the adoption of a giant panda by the people of China.
“I do as much as I can do to be a productive and contributing member of society,” said Yanni, refraining from elaborating on his current charitable projects. “I’m the only person who needs to know.”
As for the secret behind the great, flowing hair?
There isn’t one.
“At this point in my life, I’m just happy to have hair,” he said. “It’s the genes.”
If You Go
What: “An Evening in Conversation with Yanni and His Piano”
When: 7:30 p.m. April 3
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: Tickets start at $59
Information: (714) 556-2787 or visit scfta.org.
Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
