Yanni excited to be in the UAE

The Greek maestro is looking forward to his first show in Sharjah.

He is a celebrated Greek musician and he will be performing in Sharjah. Yanni says he is looking forward to his first ever concert at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on November 6 and is as excited as his fans are about the grand performance in the UAE.
Responding to some selected questions by admirers and media in the UAE, Yanni said: "I have always enjoyed my experience in the UAE and I am confident that this new visit will once again be wonderful."
"It is an honour to be able to perform in a spectacular venue such as the Al Majaz Amphitheatre." The venue boasts Roman coliseum-style setting and panoramic view of the Khalid Lagoon.
Emphasising the universal nature and message of his music celebrating humanity, peace and tolerance, Yanni said: "I feel that my experiences around the world have always shown that people throughout the world are very similar in many ways, including their connection and interaction with music. I am sure that when we are in Sharjah, the relationship and connection with the audience will validate this observation that we are all one."
Asked about his expectations of the UAE audiences and their artistic and cultural tastes, he said: "I have visited the UAE several times over the past decade and I have always been impressed with how genuinely kind and welcoming the people are. I remember one instance several years ago, when we were arriving at the airport and going through customs and a customs officer said to me: "Welcome home!"
"It made me feel like I was at home and being welcomed in my own country. I will always remember how I felt that day. I am also amazed at all of the wonderful infrastructure and quality of love and preservation of culture that I feel here. It is a great example of how a nation can move forward and progress while still maintaining the respect and impact of its own particular culture. I greatly appreciate that because the UAE respects and promotes the arts, that there are venues available and open to artists from around the world to perform in the UAE, and that has made my concerts here possible."
On Yanni's experience of performing in the region, he confided: "The reaction of Arab audiences has always been very enthusiastic and in some cases they have been among the loudest and most responsive audiences anywhere in the world. It has been a few years since I have been in this part of the world and I am looking forward to re-connecting with the Arab audiences again."
However, the best selling artist didn't like to give away "too many secrets" about the new compositions that he's planning to perform at the concert.
"I like the show to be a surprise. We have just finished designing a new show and set a list for this tour. There are some new songs and some re-arranged versions of songs that were recorded earlier. I think this is the best show we have ever put together. As this is our first time in Sharjah, I am excited to share this new show for the first time here," said Yanni.
He added: "This will be my first time visiting Sharjah. I am looking forward to meeting the people and learning more about the city and culture. It is only after being in a place and learning about its people and culture that I can become inspired in my composing. In the future, Sharjah will play an important part in influencing my music that is yet to be created."
Talking about his creativity process and his source of inspiration, Yanni said: "When I compose, it is all inside my imagination. I hear a song in its most perfect form and then try my best to transfer that idea from my mind into sounds. The music that I compose is an honest reflection of my soul and it is influenced by all of the experiences, lessons and emotions that I have lived through and is developing each and every day. There is really no place or time that is best for composing. Rather, the inspiration comes (of its own) and it is important to be aware of these moments and to let your mind go blank, keeping an open environment for the creative process and not judge these moments."
Yanni began his artistic journey at a young age. As a self-taught prodigy, he has grown into a global legend with 40 albums to his credit and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. He has performed all over the world and in some of the most iconic settings, such as Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall of China.
To purchase tickets for Yanni's show, visit: www.ticketmaster.ae