By Kiko Miyasato
Thomas & Mack Center 8 p.m. July 27, $82-$646 plus tax and fee. 702.739.3267
This spring and summer, composer/musician Yanni has become a road warrior. He kicked off his North American tour in April. In the midst of nearly 100 concerts is Yanni’s stop in Las Vegas this week at Thomas & Mack Center. An Evening With Yanni will delight fans of the Greek music god—expect to hear a set list of his chart-topping compositions that have impressed multiple generations and cultures. “There are no lyrics in my music, for the most part. So the whole message is transmitted through melodies, rhythm, sounds. I think that has to do with crossing over borders and being able to go to different countries; the message is never lost,” Yanni said in a conference call with the media.
Yanni has definitely been blessed with an ability to compose music that sets him in a class of his own. Using full orchestras and minimal vocals, Yanni has dominated the genre of new age music, often snagging the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s New Age Albums chart. He also differentiates himself from the pack by playing at historic venues—the Acropolis, the Forbidden City, the Taj Mahal and, in 2011, El Morro castle in Cuba.
“My career (has) allowed me the opportunity to travel all over the world. I have come in contact with so many cultures. … That changes a human being, and when you change me, you change my art. It’s a very important part of my music creation.”
