Role

:

Performer

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Yanni Yannissis, known professionally as Yanni, is a Greek-American composer, pianist, and music producer. He was born on November 14, 1954, in Kalamata, Greece, to parents Sotiri and Felitsa Chryssomallis. Yanni's love for music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano at the age of six. He grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Yanni's early years were spent in Greece, where he attended the University of Minnesota to study psychology. However, he dropped out of college to pursue his music career. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he started performing in local clubs and bars. He also worked as a keyboardist for the rock band Chameleon. In 1984, Yanni released his first album, "Optimystique," which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured a blend of jazz, classical, and world music, and it showcased Yanni's unique style of music. He followed up with several more albums, including "Keys to Imagination" (1986), "Out of Silence" (1987), and "Chameleon Days" (1988). Yanni's breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of his album "Dare to Dream." The album featured the hit single "Aria," which became a staple on adult contemporary radio stations. The album also included collaborations with musicians from around the world, including Chinese cellist Jie Bing Chen and Indian percussionist V. Selvaganesh. In 1993, Yanni performed at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, in front of a live audience of over 10,000 people. The concert was recorded and released as a live album and video, titled "Yanni Live at the Acropolis." The album became a massive success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide and becoming the second-best-selling music video of all time. Yanni continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "In My Time" (1993), "Tribute" (1997), and "Ethnicity" (2003). He also continued to tour extensively, performing in front of sold-out crowds around the world. In 2006, Yanni was awarded the key to the city of Panama City, Panama, for his contributions to the arts. He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009. Yanni's music has been used in several films and television shows, including "The Last Samurai," "The Sopranos," and "The Simpsons." He has also composed music for several Olympic Games, including the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Yanni's music is known for its blend of classical, jazz, and world music influences. He often incorporates instruments from around the world, including the duduk, a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument, and the Chinese erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument. His music has been described as uplifting and inspiring, and it has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In addition to his music career, Yanni is also known for his philanthropic work. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund. Yanni continues to tour and record music, and he remains one of the most popular and influential classical music artists of all time. His music has inspired countless musicians and fans around the world, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

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