Internationally renowned musician Yanni has performed in 40 different countries and at some of the most incredible places in the world, from the 2,000-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in Greece, to India's sacred Taj Mahal. But no matter where his travels take him, Yanni says he approaches each performance with the same clear purpose.
"I like to connect with the audience," he tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" in the above video. "That is the object of the concert -- to uplift people, to give them good energy, to touch their hearts."
For Yanni, this idea is similar to another intimate form of connection.
"It's like you're making love to the audience," he says with a smile. "And they're making love to you. It's a very intimate affair -- if you do it well."
Having had career highlights that many musicians only dream of, the Greek-born pianist/instrumentalist says he's thankful for such unique opportunities.
"I am just grateful that I get to go around the world," Yanni says. "I've been in places where nobody else has even been allowed to be at to perform. You know, you don't get to play at the Taj Mahal if they don't trust you."
Below, Yanni talks with HuffPost Live about how he developed his passion for music, what risks he took to become an instrumental musician and how he stayed motivated during the struggle.
"Oprah: Where Are They Now?" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.
