Yanni's long-awaited concert will soon take place in Egypt, but few are aware that he is also here to film a promotional movie the government hopes will help boost tourism.
After five years of negotiation, world renowned musician Yanni will put on a live concert on October 30 and 31 at the Giza pyramids, as well as provide the country with an unrivaled opportunity to have him promote Egypt abroad.
Following an agreement with Tourism Minister Hesham Zaazou, the 60-year-old pianist, music producer and keyboardist will film a short movie that will be comprised of Yanni’s visits to the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
According to Ashraf Hareedy, the CEO of the concert’s organizing company Promo Tours, the movie will be shot with 4k Sony professional video cameras that use cutting-edge technology. These cameras have already been imported, following Yanni’s request.
Promo Tours also signed an agreement with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to display the movie across its 24,000 customer service centers’ screens around the globe for six months.
The Tourism Ministry coordinated with the company to hold a press conference prior to the concert, inviting both international and local press and media outlets, in an attempt to stimulate a positive image of the country and its safety.
Hareedy expressed optimism about the concert’s outcome, pointing out that hundreds of tourists from different European countries purchased tickets online.
Additionally, Egypt is rolling out the red carpet in its efforts to provide the star with an invaluable experience in Egypt.
Top executives from EgyptAir bade Yanni farewell at JFK airport in New York, while both Tourism Minister Zaazou and Cairo International Airport head Ahmed Genana welcomed Yanni upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport, where some of his prominent musical compositions were played on the airport's loud-speakers.
By Heba Helmy
