World famous music composer and instrumentalist Yanni, who will be performing in India after almost two decades at the Vadodara Art and Cultural International Festival (VADFEST) beginning in Vadodara on Thursday, says that Mahatma Gandhi has been one of his biggest inspirations in life.
"I feel that Gandhiji has been a major influence on what I am today," he told reporters in Vadodara ahead of his performance on the opening day of the Fest at the Laxmi Vilas Palace compound.
Yanni popularised the combination of synthesisers with full scale symphony orchestra and is known as the world's "True Global Artist". He has held live concerts all over the world including Beijing and has since gained a massive following in China and overseas. Now the 60-year-old music producer wants to hold a concert in South Africa.
"I am producing concerts at all the places including historic monuments. I use musicians and instruments from other cultures and will think over on using Indian musicians and instruments in my songs," he said.
On his genre of music, Yanni said, "I never believed that my music fits into any genre or category. It is simply music and it encompasses a wide variety of cultural and musical style influences.
"I do not like labels for art and in particular my music.. so I have never found a genre that fits," he added. Yanni is known to blend Jazz, classical, soft, rock and world music elements to create instrumental magic, which transcends mere notes and melodies to become a soul-stirring experience.
On what would be his advice to budding musicians, he said, "Simply to follow your dreams and passion. Music is a great pursuit.. even if you do not have a professional career in music, it will be a friend for life."
Yanni's previous performance in India was at the historic Taj Mahal 17 years ago.
