Post by davidhr on Sept 27, 2016 7:48:21 GMT -5
The big news this past week, which you’ve probably already heard, was that Lara’s concert in Athens was rained out. But before we get to that, Lara gave several short interviews to a Greek TV publication (thanks to the Lara Fabian Greece site for the links). The first, at (http://www.gossip-tv.gr/showbiz/story/449920/lara-fabian-panta-thay%C2%B5aza-ti-nana-moysxoyri-ako%C2%B5a-thy%C2%B5a%C2%B5ai-tin-proti-synaylia-tis) is translated (primarily via google) below:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: “I always admired Nana Mouskouri ... Still remember the first concert"
For cooperation with Nana Mouskouri as a model for her, but also for those with Marios Frangoulis and George Perri, we talk to Lara Fabian who enchants with the songs of the world ...
You have collaborated with important Greek artists ...
LF: I always admired Nana Mouskouri who is a model for me. Still remember the first concert when I was a kid. I took my parents, who went at my request. And I had the honor to sing with her - and with Marios Frangoulis and George Perri. There are many great Greek artists I admire and I hope soon to work with some.
Do you have any cinematic experiences. Do you dream more?
LF: I participated in some films, such as "De-lovely", concerning the life of Cole Porter. I also lent my voice to animated film heroes - such as Esmeralda in the "Notre Dame" of Disney. I find it hypocritical exciting. I would love to make a film. Until then, however, I enjoy to watch with my family.
You, through your songs, refer to the tolerance of diversity, you have offered as an ambassador for UNICEF. What is the role of a world famous artist?
LF: Whatever I say, as a public person, I express through my songs. People today yearn more than ever, peace, respect, equality, protection of their dignity. And the love. Looking for love, then, in all its manifestations. And I sincerely believe that we can bring change by embodying it in ourselves, in our everyday life, through the way we interact with our surroundings. The point is to be, not to do and make speeches.
----------------------------------------------------
And then there was the brief interview (with primarily google translation) at
(http://www.gossip-tv.gr/showbiz/hollywood/story/450073/lara-fabian-en-%C2%B5e-theoro-dra%C2%B5atiko-ato%C2%B5o)
------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: “I do not think I’m a dramatic person”
For the drama of interpretations and multiculturalism temperament - one from Italy-from the side of her Mother – and one from Belgium from the side of her Dad - and having grown in Canada, we are talking of the great singer Lara Fabian ...
One of the characteristics of your interpretation is the dramatic tension. Love and intensity in your life?
LF: I do not think of myself as a dramatic person. I am emotional and I can not hide my feelings, something connected with my Mediterranean origins. As a songwriter, I have a deeper bond with the pieces then would be the case for a simple singer. There are stories that I share. This is the tension you mean - though perhaps it is just honesty.
What part of you is more Italian (from your mother's side) and what Belgian (from your father's side)?
LF: The different sides are part of what I define my identity as an artist and as a woman. I do not feel the need to dismember the pieces of this mosaic. I carry within me memories of Etna, in the shade of which I grew from the genuine, heartfelt simplicity of Belgium where I was born. But I carry also the bright blue skies of Quebec, the contrast of the cold weather and the warmth of the people of Montreal, to which I migrated as a young girl. They are all my pieces.
--------------------------------------------------
Lara may not think of herself as a dramatic person, but the events of the day, with heavy rain and a thunderstorm, were dramatic enough to cancel her concert. Lara released a video expressing her regret, at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/videos/1244341218940706/
In it she said (in English): “My dearest dearest Greece, I am devastated by what is happening right now. Look at me, I’m here in the dressing rooms, I’m all ready, I was just about to remove this jeans jacket to get into my suit to come and hug you, and it’s pouring rain. It’s the 21st of September, it’s the day of the Fall entering, and I was thinking, you know what, maybe it’s the salute of the Fall. I don’t even know how I can say how sorry I am, I feel like I should apologize, but then should I apologize for God? I don’t know, I’m so sorry, I really hold you tight. I want to promise you something, I will be back, and we will make up for this weather condition. I want to thank you for coming anyhow and standing in the rain to wait and see what was happening. I’ll be there, I’ll be back again, very soon. Thank you for your patience, and sorry again.”
In the last Update we noted that the forecast several days in advance had been for showers later that evening – apparently they were off by some hours. It was noted that the rain actually stopped about 15 minutes after the cancellation, and it never rained again. Lara’s team then posted the following response, “There was no electricity, and a power failure at the venue caused by the rain. No microphone was functioning ..Difficult to speak on stage in an arena without a microphone. She also was not allowed to step on the wet stage for safety (and insurance) reasons (wet electric cables). That is why Lara made an announcement through the arena speaker booths, and talked to the fans waiting outside of the venue. Team Lara”
Ironically we do have some brief videos of this non-event. First, of the venue, awaiting the concert:
igcdn-videos-h-13-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t50.2886-16/14414024_137709243353273_1278217443071754240_s.mp4
Of Lara in rehearsal for it, with ‘L’oubli’:
Of the stadium in the rain,
igcdn-videos-a-19-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t50.2886-16/14434529_1963036900589779_6509521741704855552_n.mp4
Of Lara apologizing to fans on leaving
saying it’s the first time in her career [if so, an amazing statistic], and “that it had to happen under the Greek Gods, why?”
And we have some pictures of, first of Lara with George Perris
www.facebook.com/georgeperrisofficial/photos/a.249745828370699.73422.163649866980296/1353455807999690/?type=3
and his caption, "She's beautiful, strong, invincible and just about to hit the stage!!!" Lara Fabian [with three hearts].”
Then, basically, of people standing around in the rain, at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1452660328084009&set=pcb.1452660768083965&type=3&theater
Note that the stadium is partly enclosed, on the higher back levels, so people could sit there and stay dry. Unfortunately the stage, and power lines, are not covered, hence the problem.
Then an (originally) Instagram photo (thanks to the Lara Fabian Is Here site) from Mario Frangoulis with Lara, at:
www.facebook.com/382393522416/photos/a.398533517416.164839.382393522416/10154575124202417/?type=3
and the caption, ''Our dear Lara, with the hope that you will come back soon we embrace you goodbye!!! The Gods cried before you even began to sing....such is their love for you...''
There was another Instagram photo of Lara with the two people from the opening act, "Stereo Soul", one of whom, ‘Bradley White Dale’ posted the caption, ‘Through the Rain’
An article about the cancellation appeared at (http://www.tff.gr/nea/arthro/mouliase_to_oaka_akyrothike_h_synaulia_tis_lara_fabian_deite_tin_plimmyra_vds-130494461/) [thanks to the Lara Fabian Greece site for the link]. Here’s the (google) translation:
----------------------------------------
"Soaking" the Stadium! Canceled concert of Lara Fabian
Lara Fabian was found in Greece to give a big concert in the Olympic Stadium, but never managed to get on stage due to rain.
The tennis court of the Stadium was flooded by heavy rain in Maroussi, just before the concert of the famous Belgian singer. On the stage only the opening act Stereo Soul managed to go, while in the evening were many famous people: the Costas Karafotis with his beloved Anna Dineri, Nina Lotsari with her beloved Dionysis Panos and Elli Kokkinou .
The host company then announced, “"Because of bad weather the concert of Lara Fabian on September 21 the Tennis Court of the Stadium, was canceled.
With her staff Lara Fabian then issued a message to the public in which she expressed her regret and her desire to soon return to Athens.
The organizing company, exploring the possibility of holding the concert on new date, decided to proceed with the redemption of the tickets that were purchased for 21 September.
There will be communication and information in the media and on company pages on social media, with the details of the redemption.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Having attended a number of open air concerts over the years, one can say that there is usually a rain date, scheduled for the next day or two, so it’s a bit surprising that there wasn’t one in this case. Perhaps the stadium is booked up for the foreseeable future. And if they are redeeming the tickets, a new date could not be quickly found, so it may be some time before Lara really does return.
Of course the rain was an ‘act of God’. However, there were other aspects of this arrangement that appeared to involve human negligence. Writing on Lara’s FB site, Chris Roubekas had the following comments:
“Honestly I was waiting for this concert with great anticipation. Unfortunately the weather was not very polite to you for this event and this is something that I really understand. What I have a very hard time understanding is why such an unprofessional, non-polite, non-existent production was selected for this event? No one was there to inform us why we needed to wait outside standing for more than an hour for the doors to open, no one was able (of the people of the production) to give us a correct answer as to where are seats are after the doors opened, no one was at any point able to answer any of our questions, no one offered to help people with special needs eager to listen to you. More so, no one was present to check our tickets and check who is entering the premises of the concert area, no one was able to explain anything at any point in time.
To this very minute that I am writing this message, no one has officially informed the ticket sellers on what needs to be done with all the tickets already sold.
It is very sad to see such a globally known singer being represented by such amateurs, non-professional and non-existent personnel. I am extremely disappointed NOT from the unfortunate weather situation, as this cannot be controlled, but from everything else.”
This comment was echoed by a number of the attendees. Lara’s Team has repeatedly indicated that they are at the mercy of local promoters who are supposed to take care of the booked events. However, they can’t absolve themselves from all responsibility, because people are coming to these events to see their performer, and will go away with opinions about her based partly on the conditions they encounter. Hopefully, the next concert organizers for Lara in Greece will be more properly vetted [and it will almost certainly be indoors!
].
We leave the final word, appropriately, to Lara Fabian Greece, who posted a link to the video of ‘Soleil soleil’, and their caption, “Good morning! Today is a bright new day. Let's forget the bad memories....Trust Lara Fabian, there will be sunshine after the rain.
Wishing everyone a beautiful day!
[In effect] following that suggestion, Lara posted this picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/1247752605266234/?type=3
with the caption (in both French and English), “Happy Sunday”. It shows Lara reaching over to hit some notes on the piano – maybe a subtle indicator that she is working on the next English album. We know, however, that there is not much time for that, as in two days (Sept. 29) her concert in Toulouse takes place, followed by concerts in Bordeaux and Paris in the three days after.
These are ‘Ma vie dans la tienne’ concerts. We’ve had no indication that they will be filmed, nor any hint that the later concerts this year will be either, although of course that is always possible. When asked about this, the ‘Lara Fabian est ton autre’ site responded by saying “To be continued “. If no filming does take place, it will be Lara’s first French album concert tour not to be recorded visually in many years (outside of ‘Le Secret’, which apparently would have been filmed if Lara had not gotten sick). One wonders why…are they waiting to film the English concerts next year, and perhaps put the two albums together? [But then copyright problems may arise…]. We’ll have to wait and see.
Jean-Francois Dejenette on the MZ FB site relayed the following interview concerning Lara that Jamala (2016 Eurovision winner) posted on her Instagram account:
-------------------------------------------------
Singer Lara Fabian gave an interview to the Ukrainian newspaper “Segonya” revealing that she would like to perform a duet with Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala at the Eurovision 2017 final in Kiev. “I watched the Eurovision this year and the performance of Jamala seemed stunning, perfect both artistically and emotionally. Her song, her voice, what she sang, - it’s all touched me a lot. I believe that with the story of her great-grandmother Jamala touched millions of people around the world, and made them to read more about history, Crimea Tatars and the Crimea. I would love to meet this remarkable singer. Can you pass to her that I would like to invite her to one of my concerts in Ukraine, either in Odessa or in Kiev, where it will be more convenient for her.
Now that Eurovision is in Kiev I would love to come there as a guest. Maybe I will indeed come if invited. I can, for instance, sing a duet with Jamala during the final. And believe me I would do so that it would be grandiose performance”, says Lara Fabian.
Thank you @larafabianofficial. I would love to sing with you in Ukraine. #Jamala
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The MZ site also noted that Jamala was at Krutoi’s New Wave festival in 2009 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc9ADtQNyDc) and again in 2014 (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DAaCqybQrOE).
You may know that Jamala (Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova) was the 2016 Eurovision winner with a controversial entry. This is from Wikipedia:
------------------------------------------------------
Jamala wrote and performed the song “1944” at the 2016 Eurovision. The lyrics for "1944" concern the deportation of the Crimean Tatars, in the 1940s, by the Soviet Union at the hands of Joseph Stalin because of their alleged collaboration with the Nazis. Jamala was particularly inspired by the story of her great-grandmother Nazylkhan, who was in her mid-20s when she and her five children were deported to barren Central Asia. One of the daughters did not survive the journey. Jamala's great-grandfather was fighting in World War II in the Red Army at this time and thus could not protect his family. The song was also released amid renewed repression of Crimean Tatars following the Russian annexation of Crimea, since most Crimean Tatars refuse to accept the annexation.
The song's chorus, in the Crimean Tatar language, is made up of words from a Crimean Tatar folk song called "Ey, güzel Qırım" that Jamala had heard from her great-grandmother, reflecting on the loss of a youth which could not be spent in her homeland. The song features the duduk played by Aram Kostanyan and the use of the mugham vocal style. "1944" is the first Eurovision song to contain lyrics in the Crimean Tatar language. She won the final receiving the second highest televoting score and second highest jury vote.
In a February 2016 interview with The Guardian, Jamala said that the song also reminded her of her own family living in Crimea nowadays, claiming that since the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea "the Crimean Tatars are on occupied territory". The song lyrics, however, do not address this annexation. Eurovision rules prohibit songs with lyrics that could be interpreted as having "political content". Immediately after the selection of this song, some Russian politicians, as well as authorities in Crimea, accused the Ukrainian authorities of using the song "to offend Russia" and "capitalizing on the tragedy of the Tatars to impose on European viewers a false picture of alleged harassment of the Tatars in the Russian Crimea".
On 9 March 2016, a tweet from the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that neither the title nor the lyrics of the song contained "political speech" and therefore it did not breach any Eurovision rule, thus allowing it to remain in the competition.
------------------------------------------------
As indicated in Lara's comments above, the 2017 Eurovision contest will be held in Kiev, in May. The contest is held in the home country of the previous year’s winner. It is already controversial – not only did Russia object to the winner, the winning song, and the topic, but Ukraine said the opening ceremony of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest would be held in the Saint Sophia complex, a well-known religious landmark which is no longer in use as a church. Both the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy and the Russian Orthodox Church have denounced that decision as “blasphemy”, since a huge burial ground is located on the site, “on which people will be dancing” (http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7519029/eurovision-organizers-face-backlash-over-choice-of-venue-for-2017-opening).
Lara's offer is already news in Ukraine; an article about it appeared at (http://ukranews.com/ua/news/451273-lara-fabian-khoche-vystupyty-z-dzhamaloyu-u-finali-yevrobachennya-2017), which says basically the same thing as in Jamala’s Instagram. Lara has typically skirted political controversies between countries (e.g., Turkey, Greece, Cyprus), but one wonders whether she is risking alienating Russian authorities with her enthusiastic embrace of Jamala. It is all to Lara’s credit that she follows her heart, although there could be practical consequences.
Interesting photo(s) of the week – in addition to Lara leaning over the piano, linked to above.
Lara with Nana Mouskouri, from the Greek “gossip-TV” article linked to on the Lara Fabian Greece site
www.gossip-tv.gr/media/com_news/story/2016/09/20/449920/main/hqdefault.jpg
And one of the most beautiful pictures of Lara, from the ‘Lara Fabian Voice of Passion’ site,
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianTheVoiceOfPassion/photos/a.722339551114856.1073741831.720473304634814/1527798380568965/?type=3
The beginning of the ‘home stretch’ for Lara’s ‘Ma vie dans la tienne’ concerts starts Thursday in Toulouse. By next week at this time, Lara will have performed her three French concerts in this segment, including the big event in Paris; hopefully there will be some nice videos. She then has a two week break before appearing in the Ukraine – in Odessa, where perhaps Jamala will join her. That would be interesting!
David
------------------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: “I always admired Nana Mouskouri ... Still remember the first concert"
For cooperation with Nana Mouskouri as a model for her, but also for those with Marios Frangoulis and George Perri, we talk to Lara Fabian who enchants with the songs of the world ...
You have collaborated with important Greek artists ...
LF: I always admired Nana Mouskouri who is a model for me. Still remember the first concert when I was a kid. I took my parents, who went at my request. And I had the honor to sing with her - and with Marios Frangoulis and George Perri. There are many great Greek artists I admire and I hope soon to work with some.
Do you have any cinematic experiences. Do you dream more?
LF: I participated in some films, such as "De-lovely", concerning the life of Cole Porter. I also lent my voice to animated film heroes - such as Esmeralda in the "Notre Dame" of Disney. I find it hypocritical exciting. I would love to make a film. Until then, however, I enjoy to watch with my family.
You, through your songs, refer to the tolerance of diversity, you have offered as an ambassador for UNICEF. What is the role of a world famous artist?
LF: Whatever I say, as a public person, I express through my songs. People today yearn more than ever, peace, respect, equality, protection of their dignity. And the love. Looking for love, then, in all its manifestations. And I sincerely believe that we can bring change by embodying it in ourselves, in our everyday life, through the way we interact with our surroundings. The point is to be, not to do and make speeches.
----------------------------------------------------
And then there was the brief interview (with primarily google translation) at
(http://www.gossip-tv.gr/showbiz/hollywood/story/450073/lara-fabian-en-%C2%B5e-theoro-dra%C2%B5atiko-ato%C2%B5o)
------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian: “I do not think I’m a dramatic person”
For the drama of interpretations and multiculturalism temperament - one from Italy-from the side of her Mother – and one from Belgium from the side of her Dad - and having grown in Canada, we are talking of the great singer Lara Fabian ...
One of the characteristics of your interpretation is the dramatic tension. Love and intensity in your life?
LF: I do not think of myself as a dramatic person. I am emotional and I can not hide my feelings, something connected with my Mediterranean origins. As a songwriter, I have a deeper bond with the pieces then would be the case for a simple singer. There are stories that I share. This is the tension you mean - though perhaps it is just honesty.
What part of you is more Italian (from your mother's side) and what Belgian (from your father's side)?
LF: The different sides are part of what I define my identity as an artist and as a woman. I do not feel the need to dismember the pieces of this mosaic. I carry within me memories of Etna, in the shade of which I grew from the genuine, heartfelt simplicity of Belgium where I was born. But I carry also the bright blue skies of Quebec, the contrast of the cold weather and the warmth of the people of Montreal, to which I migrated as a young girl. They are all my pieces.
--------------------------------------------------
Lara may not think of herself as a dramatic person, but the events of the day, with heavy rain and a thunderstorm, were dramatic enough to cancel her concert. Lara released a video expressing her regret, at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/videos/1244341218940706/
In it she said (in English): “My dearest dearest Greece, I am devastated by what is happening right now. Look at me, I’m here in the dressing rooms, I’m all ready, I was just about to remove this jeans jacket to get into my suit to come and hug you, and it’s pouring rain. It’s the 21st of September, it’s the day of the Fall entering, and I was thinking, you know what, maybe it’s the salute of the Fall. I don’t even know how I can say how sorry I am, I feel like I should apologize, but then should I apologize for God? I don’t know, I’m so sorry, I really hold you tight. I want to promise you something, I will be back, and we will make up for this weather condition. I want to thank you for coming anyhow and standing in the rain to wait and see what was happening. I’ll be there, I’ll be back again, very soon. Thank you for your patience, and sorry again.”
In the last Update we noted that the forecast several days in advance had been for showers later that evening – apparently they were off by some hours. It was noted that the rain actually stopped about 15 minutes after the cancellation, and it never rained again. Lara’s team then posted the following response, “There was no electricity, and a power failure at the venue caused by the rain. No microphone was functioning ..Difficult to speak on stage in an arena without a microphone. She also was not allowed to step on the wet stage for safety (and insurance) reasons (wet electric cables). That is why Lara made an announcement through the arena speaker booths, and talked to the fans waiting outside of the venue. Team Lara”
Ironically we do have some brief videos of this non-event. First, of the venue, awaiting the concert:
igcdn-videos-h-13-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t50.2886-16/14414024_137709243353273_1278217443071754240_s.mp4
Of Lara in rehearsal for it, with ‘L’oubli’:
http://instagram.com/p/BKol3RnheKa
Of the stadium in the rain,
igcdn-videos-a-19-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/t50.2886-16/14434529_1963036900589779_6509521741704855552_n.mp4
Of Lara apologizing to fans on leaving
saying it’s the first time in her career [if so, an amazing statistic], and “that it had to happen under the Greek Gods, why?”
And we have some pictures of, first of Lara with George Perris
www.facebook.com/georgeperrisofficial/photos/a.249745828370699.73422.163649866980296/1353455807999690/?type=3
and his caption, "She's beautiful, strong, invincible and just about to hit the stage!!!" Lara Fabian [with three hearts].”
Then, basically, of people standing around in the rain, at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1452660328084009&set=pcb.1452660768083965&type=3&theater
Note that the stadium is partly enclosed, on the higher back levels, so people could sit there and stay dry. Unfortunately the stage, and power lines, are not covered, hence the problem.
Then an (originally) Instagram photo (thanks to the Lara Fabian Is Here site) from Mario Frangoulis with Lara, at:
www.facebook.com/382393522416/photos/a.398533517416.164839.382393522416/10154575124202417/?type=3
and the caption, ''Our dear Lara, with the hope that you will come back soon we embrace you goodbye!!! The Gods cried before you even began to sing....such is their love for you...''
There was another Instagram photo of Lara with the two people from the opening act, "Stereo Soul", one of whom, ‘Bradley White Dale’ posted the caption, ‘Through the Rain’
http://instagram.com/p/BKoljpEgLrf
An article about the cancellation appeared at (http://www.tff.gr/nea/arthro/mouliase_to_oaka_akyrothike_h_synaulia_tis_lara_fabian_deite_tin_plimmyra_vds-130494461/) [thanks to the Lara Fabian Greece site for the link]. Here’s the (google) translation:
----------------------------------------
"Soaking" the Stadium! Canceled concert of Lara Fabian
Lara Fabian was found in Greece to give a big concert in the Olympic Stadium, but never managed to get on stage due to rain.
The tennis court of the Stadium was flooded by heavy rain in Maroussi, just before the concert of the famous Belgian singer. On the stage only the opening act Stereo Soul managed to go, while in the evening were many famous people: the Costas Karafotis with his beloved Anna Dineri, Nina Lotsari with her beloved Dionysis Panos and Elli Kokkinou .
The host company then announced, “"Because of bad weather the concert of Lara Fabian on September 21 the Tennis Court of the Stadium, was canceled.
With her staff Lara Fabian then issued a message to the public in which she expressed her regret and her desire to soon return to Athens.
The organizing company, exploring the possibility of holding the concert on new date, decided to proceed with the redemption of the tickets that were purchased for 21 September.
There will be communication and information in the media and on company pages on social media, with the details of the redemption.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Having attended a number of open air concerts over the years, one can say that there is usually a rain date, scheduled for the next day or two, so it’s a bit surprising that there wasn’t one in this case. Perhaps the stadium is booked up for the foreseeable future. And if they are redeeming the tickets, a new date could not be quickly found, so it may be some time before Lara really does return.
Of course the rain was an ‘act of God’. However, there were other aspects of this arrangement that appeared to involve human negligence. Writing on Lara’s FB site, Chris Roubekas had the following comments:
“Honestly I was waiting for this concert with great anticipation. Unfortunately the weather was not very polite to you for this event and this is something that I really understand. What I have a very hard time understanding is why such an unprofessional, non-polite, non-existent production was selected for this event? No one was there to inform us why we needed to wait outside standing for more than an hour for the doors to open, no one was able (of the people of the production) to give us a correct answer as to where are seats are after the doors opened, no one was at any point able to answer any of our questions, no one offered to help people with special needs eager to listen to you. More so, no one was present to check our tickets and check who is entering the premises of the concert area, no one was able to explain anything at any point in time.
To this very minute that I am writing this message, no one has officially informed the ticket sellers on what needs to be done with all the tickets already sold.
It is very sad to see such a globally known singer being represented by such amateurs, non-professional and non-existent personnel. I am extremely disappointed NOT from the unfortunate weather situation, as this cannot be controlled, but from everything else.”
This comment was echoed by a number of the attendees. Lara’s Team has repeatedly indicated that they are at the mercy of local promoters who are supposed to take care of the booked events. However, they can’t absolve themselves from all responsibility, because people are coming to these events to see their performer, and will go away with opinions about her based partly on the conditions they encounter. Hopefully, the next concert organizers for Lara in Greece will be more properly vetted [and it will almost certainly be indoors!
].We leave the final word, appropriately, to Lara Fabian Greece, who posted a link to the video of ‘Soleil soleil’, and their caption, “Good morning! Today is a bright new day. Let's forget the bad memories....Trust Lara Fabian, there will be sunshine after the rain.
Wishing everyone a beautiful day![In effect] following that suggestion, Lara posted this picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.215378125170359.50343.201065806601591/1247752605266234/?type=3
with the caption (in both French and English), “Happy Sunday”. It shows Lara reaching over to hit some notes on the piano – maybe a subtle indicator that she is working on the next English album. We know, however, that there is not much time for that, as in two days (Sept. 29) her concert in Toulouse takes place, followed by concerts in Bordeaux and Paris in the three days after.
These are ‘Ma vie dans la tienne’ concerts. We’ve had no indication that they will be filmed, nor any hint that the later concerts this year will be either, although of course that is always possible. When asked about this, the ‘Lara Fabian est ton autre’ site responded by saying “To be continued
“. If no filming does take place, it will be Lara’s first French album concert tour not to be recorded visually in many years (outside of ‘Le Secret’, which apparently would have been filmed if Lara had not gotten sick). One wonders why…are they waiting to film the English concerts next year, and perhaps put the two albums together? [But then copyright problems may arise…]. We’ll have to wait and see. Jean-Francois Dejenette on the MZ FB site relayed the following interview concerning Lara that Jamala (2016 Eurovision winner) posted on her Instagram account:
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Singer Lara Fabian gave an interview to the Ukrainian newspaper “Segonya” revealing that she would like to perform a duet with Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala at the Eurovision 2017 final in Kiev. “I watched the Eurovision this year and the performance of Jamala seemed stunning, perfect both artistically and emotionally. Her song, her voice, what she sang, - it’s all touched me a lot. I believe that with the story of her great-grandmother Jamala touched millions of people around the world, and made them to read more about history, Crimea Tatars and the Crimea. I would love to meet this remarkable singer. Can you pass to her that I would like to invite her to one of my concerts in Ukraine, either in Odessa or in Kiev, where it will be more convenient for her.
Now that Eurovision is in Kiev I would love to come there as a guest. Maybe I will indeed come if invited. I can, for instance, sing a duet with Jamala during the final. And believe me I would do so that it would be grandiose performance”, says Lara Fabian.
Thank you @larafabianofficial. I would love to sing with you in Ukraine. #Jamala
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The MZ site also noted that Jamala was at Krutoi’s New Wave festival in 2009 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc9ADtQNyDc) and again in 2014 (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DAaCqybQrOE).
You may know that Jamala (Susana Alimivna Jamaladinova) was the 2016 Eurovision winner with a controversial entry. This is from Wikipedia:
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Jamala wrote and performed the song “1944” at the 2016 Eurovision. The lyrics for "1944" concern the deportation of the Crimean Tatars, in the 1940s, by the Soviet Union at the hands of Joseph Stalin because of their alleged collaboration with the Nazis. Jamala was particularly inspired by the story of her great-grandmother Nazylkhan, who was in her mid-20s when she and her five children were deported to barren Central Asia. One of the daughters did not survive the journey. Jamala's great-grandfather was fighting in World War II in the Red Army at this time and thus could not protect his family. The song was also released amid renewed repression of Crimean Tatars following the Russian annexation of Crimea, since most Crimean Tatars refuse to accept the annexation.
The song's chorus, in the Crimean Tatar language, is made up of words from a Crimean Tatar folk song called "Ey, güzel Qırım" that Jamala had heard from her great-grandmother, reflecting on the loss of a youth which could not be spent in her homeland. The song features the duduk played by Aram Kostanyan and the use of the mugham vocal style. "1944" is the first Eurovision song to contain lyrics in the Crimean Tatar language. She won the final receiving the second highest televoting score and second highest jury vote.
In a February 2016 interview with The Guardian, Jamala said that the song also reminded her of her own family living in Crimea nowadays, claiming that since the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea "the Crimean Tatars are on occupied territory". The song lyrics, however, do not address this annexation. Eurovision rules prohibit songs with lyrics that could be interpreted as having "political content". Immediately after the selection of this song, some Russian politicians, as well as authorities in Crimea, accused the Ukrainian authorities of using the song "to offend Russia" and "capitalizing on the tragedy of the Tatars to impose on European viewers a false picture of alleged harassment of the Tatars in the Russian Crimea".
On 9 March 2016, a tweet from the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that neither the title nor the lyrics of the song contained "political speech" and therefore it did not breach any Eurovision rule, thus allowing it to remain in the competition.
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As indicated in Lara's comments above, the 2017 Eurovision contest will be held in Kiev, in May. The contest is held in the home country of the previous year’s winner. It is already controversial – not only did Russia object to the winner, the winning song, and the topic, but Ukraine said the opening ceremony of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest would be held in the Saint Sophia complex, a well-known religious landmark which is no longer in use as a church. Both the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy and the Russian Orthodox Church have denounced that decision as “blasphemy”, since a huge burial ground is located on the site, “on which people will be dancing” (http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7519029/eurovision-organizers-face-backlash-over-choice-of-venue-for-2017-opening).
Lara's offer is already news in Ukraine; an article about it appeared at (http://ukranews.com/ua/news/451273-lara-fabian-khoche-vystupyty-z-dzhamaloyu-u-finali-yevrobachennya-2017), which says basically the same thing as in Jamala’s Instagram. Lara has typically skirted political controversies between countries (e.g., Turkey, Greece, Cyprus), but one wonders whether she is risking alienating Russian authorities with her enthusiastic embrace of Jamala. It is all to Lara’s credit that she follows her heart, although there could be practical consequences.
Interesting photo(s) of the week – in addition to Lara leaning over the piano, linked to above.
Lara with Nana Mouskouri, from the Greek “gossip-TV” article linked to on the Lara Fabian Greece site
www.gossip-tv.gr/media/com_news/story/2016/09/20/449920/main/hqdefault.jpg
And one of the most beautiful pictures of Lara, from the ‘Lara Fabian Voice of Passion’ site,
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianTheVoiceOfPassion/photos/a.722339551114856.1073741831.720473304634814/1527798380568965/?type=3
The beginning of the ‘home stretch’ for Lara’s ‘Ma vie dans la tienne’ concerts starts Thursday in Toulouse. By next week at this time, Lara will have performed her three French concerts in this segment, including the big event in Paris; hopefully there will be some nice videos. She then has a two week break before appearing in the Ukraine – in Odessa, where perhaps Jamala will join her. That would be interesting!
David
