Did you catch the Yanni show? We missed it. Post your review in a comment here
Yanni
I was unable to make it to the Yanni concert on Monday. We have had one e-mail asking why there is no review. Maybe you, too, are stewing inside.
Did you go? Want to share your own review? Go to blogs.roanoke.com/cutnscratch and post it as a comment, or e-mail it to me via tad.dickens@roanoke.com.
June 6, 2012 - 11:18 AM
It is a shame and embarrassing that no one from the Times attended this marvelous concert. I have been fortunate to have attended many concerts over the years in this Valley, WV State Fair, the U. S. and abroad and Yanni ranks on top of the list. With an extremely talented group of international musicians including two violinist, two cellist, a master harpist, world class key-boardist, percussionist, drummer extraordinaire, brass section including a flugel horn and french horn, two vocalist and, of course, Yanni and his grand piano and two other key boards that he stood between and played each with a right or left hand. This world class entertainer was a tireless motion in action for two and a quarter hours with no pause or break and gave the appreciative audience a memorable, magical, musical evening and several encores. He thanked Roanoke for the hospitable treatment of his orchestra and raved about the beautiful valley which he said has been kept a secret and suggested he might make this an annual event. He also spoke of his hope that the people of the world would come together and realize that we are all one people on this earth which, when viewed from the space station, has no lines drawn between the countries. Bravo Maestro and thanks for the memories and the hope.
From reader Joanne Dean Geller, of Blacksburg, via e-mail:
Hello Tad, well I attended and it was the best concert I have ever been to. I was born in the 50’s so I have experience in giving feedback. The music and synergy between Yanni and his orchestra was outstanding. He highlights each of them and you can tell they all respect each other. Every musician smiled and you could tell they love what they get to do. The music was emotional and Yanni took personal time with the audience to share what the names of the songs meant. He smiled and laughed and shared wisdom of his life. Many of the band solo’s and they are all so gifted. The eye contact they all gave the audience really touched ones heart. He got 5 standing ovations and we would have gone all night. His music is motivating and humbling. I would go again in a heart beat. So many of the songs inspired me and they just fill your heart with hope. He also shares his story of the Panda’s and bringing peace to all people. Another highlight was when the drummer came out with a Virginia Tech Hokie T-Shirt, made us proud.
And another one, from Katrina White, of Salem:
I have to tell you —- YOU MISSED a FANTASTIC SHOW!!
We had a large group from my workplace go and we ALL enjoyed it.
The music was awesome but the talent on that stage was very impressive– which added up to a great performance.
I think he has musicians from all over the world because he introduced them and stated their country.
He was very personable and responded “in kind” to various female’s in the audience who yelled “I love you”! at him. ha He didn’t talk alot…………..he let him music speak for him and WOW did it ever.
Sorry you missed it!!
Here’s one from Kenneth Elson, of Salem:
Yanni’s musicians are some of the finest players available to any band or orchestra. The concert had high energy and Yanni has not lost a bit of his enthusiasm since 30 years of music performance. There was really an enthusiastic however somewhat small audience with tremendous interaction between Yanni and the audience. Overall the experience was exceptional and those who missed the concert were left out of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From Billye White, of Salem:
Most wonderful performance I HAVE ATTENDED IN YEARS. I could not believe
he was not covered by the Times and TV. First time in Roanoke and I am glad the crowd gave him and his band the welcome they deserved.
His music is so fantastic and beautiful and I can only hope he will come back. He gave us three ENCORES SO YOU CAN SEE LOVED HIS SHOW. He is such a truly so gifted and has a band of quality people so talented. You need to see in person of what I SPEAK. Also read his book YANNI IN WORDS. I have been a fan for years but now I Am really devoted. Just wanted to share my opinion.
I have been a Yanni fan for many years and after seeing this concert, I am definitely a devoted fan now. It was a great performance and I am glad I was able to attend. I hope he returns to Roanoke because I will definitely be there, if at all possible.
what a show!! i have had the privilidge of being at three Yanni concerts and this one was just so intimate and moving for every one there. no other music moves myself and others like his does. he is truly gifted as are all of his fellow musicians. It was a night i’ll never forget and was so glad Yanni finally got to our little city Roanoke. lets hope this great show will come back next year and lets all get up and dance to show our enthusiasm. till the next Niki Nana
From Gerri Young, of Blacksburg:
Myself and two others attended the Yanni concert…a fourth time for me and a first for the other two. Two of us sat in the balcony, one first timer sat in the orchestra. We all totally loved the concert. Yanni’s music is magical, his interaction with the audience is warm and real, his willingness to share the spotlight with his band members is a lovely thing. I adore his music and have since the very first time I heard it. None of his concerts have ever disappointed.
However, sitting in the balcony was a lighting nightmare. Behind the band there were four spotlights. My aunt who was sitting in the orchestra saw only lovely lighting effects. In the balcony there were times when we just couldn’t look at the stage because the spotlights were so intrusive. During the long drum solo (a bit too long) the spotlight behind the drummer was so horrid we just couldn’t look at him at all. I’m assuming the lighting was done by local people, but I could be wrong. At any rate, it was frequently awful and unlike any I have experienced at any other concert.