Andreas was very lucky to attend the first of the 3 historic concerts that Yanni gave at the ancient Herod Atticus Theater in Athens, Greece. 

You can see above his ticket which says Friday 24 September 1993-20.30 p.m. Its price was 12.000 Greek Drachmas, it was number 265 and the seat is marked by the asterisk. It was the second most expensive ticket, meaning that Andreas was sitting at about the middle of the theater.

As you probably know, the third concert was released. However, all three concerts were recorded, so it is entirely possible that the released concert is a combination from all of them.

There are a few interesting things about this first Live At The Acropolis concert that Andreas would like to share with you. First of all, the concert was sold-out, and at the audience were some guests from Kalamata, the birthplace of Yanni.

Yanni explained to the audience that he had to speak in English because the concert was recorded for a future worldwide release. While he was speaking, a car alarm went off and it was very annoying, at the point that Yanni said (smiling) "Can somebody turn it off please?". Thankfully it stopped soon.

For one piece Yanni switched places with Shardad Rohani, meaning that Yanni conducted the orchestra "fulfilling a dream of his" as he said, and Shardad played the piano.

At the end of the concert Yanni was asked to play "Nightbird", because this piece was a huge hit in Greece at that time since lyrics were written for it and it was sung by Konstantina, one of the most famous singers in Greece. However, Yanni turned down the request saying "I am not a singer" (a reaction that cannot be easily explained) and played "The Mermaid" instead, something that unfortunately remains unreleased.

At the end of the concert, Andreas and almost 200 fans waited patiently for Yanni to get an autograph. Indeed Yanni came out with Linda Evans and his parents, but he said that he was too tired (he really looked tired) and did not sign any autographs, going straight to the limo that was waiting for them.  At least Andreas touched him and congratulated him for the great concert!

The photos above come from a Greek magazine article about the concert. The text next to the first photo says the talented musician while conducting, next to the second photo says Linda Evans between Yanni's happy parents and next to the third photo says spectacular colors and lasers at the Herod Atticus Theater. Here is the translation of the article:

Apotheosis in the Herod Atticus Theater

Yanni's music received a thunderous applause in his three concerts at the ancient theater

Apparently nervous because he presented his work for the first time, dressed in white and with lots of modesty, the talented Yanni received lots of bravos and was called many times on the Herod Atticus stage. Many famous artists warmly applauded Yanni who received the warmer "bravo" from his parents. Inside and outside was his beloved Linda Evans, who did not hide her agony before the concerts and her great satisfaction after Yanni received the apotheosis from the audience.