International Superstar Yanni Signs to Disney Pearl Series

International Superstar Yanni Signs to Disney Pearl Series

Set to Release 'YANNI VOICES' in 2009

Two PBS specials on Tap for November 2008 and March 2009

World Tour set for Spring 2009

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum recording artist Yanni has signed an exclusive world wide 360 partnership with the newly created Disney Pearl Series label. YANNI VOICES, his first studio album in 6 years, is set to be released on March 24, 2009. YANNI VOICES marks a pivotal point in Yanni's illustrious career as this is the first time the acclaimed composer/pianist has brought vocals to the forefront of his music. "Expect the unexpected," Yanni muses, "There are no rules. Nevermind what Yanni used to do, that has been done." Teaming with Grammy & Academy Award-winning producer Ric Wake ("Chicago," Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Barry Manilow), Yanni and Ric Wake discovered four extraordinary young vocal talents -- Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills -- and worked with them to take Yanni's most famous themes and convert them into masterful new songs with voices. Recorded at his state of the art studio compound in Florida over the past two years, Yanni immersed himself in the project working side by side with Wake to bring YANNI VOICES to life.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081118/LATU522)

Documented in High Definition format, YANNI VOICES will be the subject of two upcoming PBS specials. The first will premiere on November 29th and gives an exclusive and comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at producing the album as well as introducing each of the four featured vocalists. The second special is a 60-minute live concert program shot at the Forum at Mundo Imperial in Acapulco, Mexico and will premiere on March 2, 2009 as part of PBS's March pledge just weeks before the album's release.

Additionally, a world tour is planned for 2009, his first tour since 2004, with the U.S. leg beginning in April and concluding in October. Tour stops include performances in Mexico City, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The tour will feature performances with Yanni, his world-renowned orchestra featuring many familiar faces as well as the four new vocalists from YANNI VOICES -- Nathan Pacheco, Ender Thomas, Chloe and Leslie Mills. Tickets go on sale December 19, 2008.

A GRAMMY-nominated artist, Yanni's explosive instrumental compositions have made him a musical phenomenon whose music defies borders and boundaries, appealing to audiences all over the world. Additionally, his music has been featured in major ad campaigns, films and sporting events including several Olympic Games since 1998. The Greek-born and self-taught musician has distinguished himself as one of the world's top-selling adult contemporary artists, with worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums, accumulating 35 platinum and gold records globally. His concert DVD's "Tribute" and "Live at the Acropolis" both attained multi-platinum status and "Live at the Acropolis" remains the second highest-selling music DVD to date.

YANNI VOICES is set to be the first release from Disney Pearl Series, the latest imprint under the Disney Music Group.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081118/LATU522
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hollywood Records

CONTACT: Lillian Matulic, VP, Publicity, Lillian.Matulic@Disney.com, or
Heather Davis, Director, Publicity, Heather.Davis@Disney.com, both for
Hollywood Records

-------
Profile: intent