Yanni Voices Live From The Forum In Acapulco //free\\ Page
Released in 2009, Yanni Voices: Live from the Forum in Acapulco documented the grand opening of the Forum Mundo Imperial in Acapulco, Mexico. This concert marked a pivotal shift for the legendary composer, as it was his first major project after a four-year hiatus and his first time featuring vocalists as a central part of his compositions. Performance Highlights
The show was a departure from Yanni’s traditional instrumental focus, blending his classic melodies with new lyrics written and performed by four hand-picked young artists.
The "Voices": The concert centered on four diverse vocalists: Nathan Pacheco (operatic tenor), Ender Thomas (Latin soulful style), Chloe Lowery (versatile soprano), and Leslie Mills (pop-oriented alto).
Visual Spectacle: Like his previous landmark concerts at the Acropolis or Taj Mahal, this production featured spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes, and dynamic set designs tailored for the 4,000-seat Forum Mundo Imperial.
Special Guests: The Acapulco recordings also featured legendary Latin artists, including Lucero, Cristian Castro, and José José, who performed Spanish duets as part of the Yanni Voces companion project. Core Tracklist
The concert featured over two hours of music, reimagining Yanni's beloved hits with vocal layers. Yanni Voices: Live From The Forum In Acapulco - Amazon.com yanni voices live from the forum in acapulco
The Yanni Voices: Live from the Forum in Acapulco concert film is widely regarded by fans and critics as a "triumphant return" to the stage following Yanni's four-year hiatus. Released in 2009, it marks a significant stylistic shift, being the first project in his 22-year career to prominently feature lead vocalists alongside his iconic orchestra. Key Highlights
The "Voices": The concert introduces four young vocalists—Nathan Pacheco, Chloe Lowery, Ender Thomas, and Leslie Mills—who perform original lyrics set to Yanni's classic compositions like "Santorini" and "Within Attraction".
Visual Spectacle: Filmed at the Forum (Mundo Imperial) in Acapulco, the production is noted for its spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes, and a high-energy "Broadway-style" atmosphere.
New Aesthetic: Long-time fans often note Yanni’s dramatic change in appearance during this era, as he appeared with short hair and without his signature mustache. Critical & Fan Reception Yanni Voices: Live From The Forum In Acapulco : Amazon.sg
The Stars: Discovering Four Unique Talents
The heart of the "Voices" project was the discovery of four distinct artists, plucked from obscurity by Yanni and producer Ric Wake to headline this global spectacle. Released in 2009, Yanni Voices: Live from the
- Leslie Mills: Bringing a pop-country sensibility mixed with theatrical power, Mills became the narrative voice of the concert. Her performance of tracks like "Unico Amore" showcased a warmth that grounded the grand orchestration.
- Ender Thomas: Hailing from Venezuela, Thomas provided the Latin soul. His passionate delivery was essential to the Acapulco setting, bridging the gap between Yanni’s Greek heritage and the Mexican venue.
- Chloe Lowery: Perhaps the most explosive vocal talent of the quartet, Lowery brought a rock-edge and staggering range. Her ability to hold a high note against a swell of violins and drums became a highlight of the live recording.
- Kathryn Raio: Completing the quartet with deep resonance and strength, Raio added layers of harmonic texture that enriched the choral elements of the show.
3. “Kill Me With Your Love” (Leslie Mills & Ender Thomas)
A duet that originally felt poppy on the studio album becomes visceral live. Leslie Mills’ ethereal bridge contrasts with Ender Thomas’ rock-soul growl. The Forum recording captures the raw microphone bleed and the physicality of their performance.
Where Are They Now? The Cast Revisited
One of the legacies of the Acapulco show is that it launched several successful solo careers.
- Nathan Pacheco went on to record with Disney and PBS, becoming a major star in the classical crossover world.
- Chloe Lowery joined the rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra and has released multiple solo EPs.
- Leslie Mills continues to write for film and television, and performs at jazz festivals.
- Ender Thomas produces Latin pop music in Miami.
Yanni, too, returned to his instrumental roots with subsequent tours (Truth of Touch, The Dream Concert), but he has conceded in interviews that the Voices project re-energized his career for the 2010s.
The Vocalists: The New Face of Yanni
You cannot discuss "Yanni Voices Live from the Forum in Acapulco" without discussing the quartet of singers. They were unknown before this tour, but the Acapulco DVD made them stars.
The Performance: A Setlist Deconstructed
From the first few bars, it is clear that this is Yanni unshackled. The 45-piece orchestra and choir are dressed in sleek, modern attire, moving away from the stoic formalwear of the 90s. The Stars: Discovering Four Unique Talents The heart
The Opening: "The Storm" The concert opens with The Storm, a percussive powerhouse. The late, great drummer Charlie Adams (a Yanni veteran) launches into a thunderous solo that literally shakes the camera lenses. The song’s aggressive synth bass and violin solos (courtesy of the brilliant Samvel Yervinyan) set a tone of urgency. Yanni, at his signature white grand piano, looks like a conductor possessed.
The Vocal Showpieces
- "Kill Me with Your Love" (feat. Leslie Mills): This is the emotional anchor. Mills’ raspy, powerful delivery turns a pop ballad into an anthem of desperation. The lighting design—deep reds and blues—bathes her as she belts the chorus, and Yanni’s piano fills act as a nervous heartbeat beneath her.
- "Esa Es Mi Tierra" (feat. Ender Thomas): The crowd erupts. Thomas, with his flawless tenor, delivers this Latin-infused original. It is a moment of cultural crossover where the Greek composer proves he can write a salsa-tinged world beat that feels completely authentic. The brass section rises to the occasion.
- "Orchestral Suite" (feat. Chloe Lowery): Lowery, barely out of her teens at the time, performs "Nice to Meet You" with a vocal range that recalls a young Celine Dion. Her ability to hit whistle tones while running across the sprawling stage is a testament to the athleticism Yanni demands from his players.
The Instrumental Core: "Nightingale" Despite the emphasis on vocals, the purely instrumental Nightingale remains the concert’s centerpiece. Written for Chinese bamboo flutist (and later, the virtuoso Pedro Eustache), the piece is a duet between the orchestra and a solitary flute. The Acapulco version features a breathtaking improvisation where the flute mimics the call of an actual nightingale against a hushed string section. It is in these silent, breathless minutes that Yanni’s genius as a composer shines brightest.
1. Chloe Lowery (Soprano)
At only 18 years old during the filming, Chloe was the prodigy. Her five-octave range is on full display in Unico Amore. She brings a classical purity that evokes Celtic Woman or Sarah Brightman.
2. Leslie Mills (Alto/Pop)
Leslie provided the rock edge. Her bluesy inflection on The Keeper prevented the show from becoming too saccharine. She walks the line between Broadway and Top 40 radio.
