Post by davidhr on Apr 10, 2018 7:43:24 GMT -5
As we speculated about last week, Lara did indeed spend the intervening week between her concerts in Eastern Europe back in Belgium. The Lara Fabian Web FB site, and others, posted a picture of Lara with Gabriel, and also with her best friend Nathalie at the Marché Gourmet du Sablon in Brussels. It can be seen, for example, at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianweb/photos/a.247913198557556.83420.246805652001644/2157814070900783/?type=3&theater
Another picture of Lara there can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/marchegourmetdusablon/photos/a.309240869239515.1073741837.237608753069394/981488638681398/?type=3&theater
Whether this trip is in any way related to Lara’s emotional breakdown during her singing of ‘Je suis malade’ in Sophia last week we don’t know – but she looks fine in these photos (and performed without incident in the subsequent concerts last week). In listening again to Lara’s songs from that concert, one can note that when discussing ‘Pas sans toi’, she repeated her usual refrain of “this song says I could not make it without you” but she then she added, “and this could not be truer tonight. We all go through great periods, and then, extraordinarily difficult times, and we endure joy and also sacrifices…”
As expected, there were a number of additional videos that appeared from the three concerts of last week, listed below. The Sofia videos are not great video quality, but they have excellent sound. The high quality Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest videos (as usual, indicated by the asterisk at the end) are again thanks to the Lara Fabian Romania site, who always do an amazing job of preserving the record of Lara’s concerts there. Note that ‘Requiem pour un fou’ has been dropped from the repertoire.
additional Sofia videos:
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVPhrlEmXdg
Intro+ Chameleon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0ZgMn6yfA
J’ai zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YimY4FkDbM
Je t’aime: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN6cr1SEYUk
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3xLJI5clDA
We Are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGespkWhm-E
additional Cluj-Napoca videos:
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=is5UvRsAVWA*
Camouflage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgDBzoeV38g*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPZRg3sx5Nk*
I’m Breakable: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgDBzoeV38g*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADLWnlU6PgQ*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_vw7LeBas*
Perfect: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMqOi2Skm2M*
additional Bucharest videos:
Adagio: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFvADTOjAeQ*
Camouflage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Chameleon + Growing Wings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gyFDtdShIc*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_7gt5v140*
Communify: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Humana: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKq81SaDvYw*
I’m Breakable: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
I Will love Again: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
If I Let You Love Me: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymafWlgJ9m4*
J’ai Zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKDMnnZtiZo*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto
Je t’aime: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_7gt5v140*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0B08EUM2Us (+ surprise from Romanian fans)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnUus1_m3L4
Keep the Animals Away: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_0Yg2PlEuE*
Painting in the Rain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaltfpjLvCA*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1__8VRVkWSU*
Perfect: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
We Are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4GNQ0nXw0w*
We are the Storm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl90wvHV4VI*
and there are videos of Lara arriving in Bucharest, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5740d7OkF1c
and leaving: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EBdIJr58oM
One highlight there was all the phones that lit up the audience for Je t’aime. (Lara mentioned she didn’t have her phone). She got the fans to sing along with her. Lara mentioned that one time during a past visit when she was quite sick, the fans had helped her by singing with her, which probably inspired Lara to try it again.
This past Sunday Lara had her concert in Budapest, Hungary. Lara provided the picture of poster advertising it, which can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2000741569967330/?type=3&theater
We have a number of videos from this concert as well; many of the ‘high quality’ ones are a bit shaky, but we’re happy to have them.
Budapest videos:
Adagio: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ1b0pXf_EU*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=atQZPkGvf80
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDTacqhzv_Y
www.youtube.com/watch?v=98U0m2XObcc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOs-KI2FSJM
(inc) www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaiOPaX-gfk
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmhDxCtSVxQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjgS2KTshE*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4L1hhKh1DI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV_04O5C6U0*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjgS2KTshE*
Communify + I Will Love Again: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWfZN3uuEh0*
J’ai zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1blunYD72dg*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFEnyJsnluY*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k9qTvT2AZc
Je t’aime (inc): www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ751sLZt9c
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrW31ezNNoo*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=98U0m2XObcc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbqwzNpoO1c
Painting in the Rain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6v-2iduvU*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8linH0jUJE0*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1nMXcPsjU*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-19OdGfhc4
We are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6v-2iduvU*
We are the Storm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eeZkBpmG2c*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4sYSkv4JLA*
Thanks to all the people who take the time to record these videos and share them with us.
At the end of the concert, Lara put the following interesting picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2002192319822255/?type=3&theater
with the caption, “Thank you Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania for 4 beautiful evenings ... next stops: Amsterdam (May 17th) and Athens (May19th/20th).”
Several items associated with that upcoming concert in Greece have appeared. “Antivirus” magazine featured Lara on the cover, as seen at:
avmag.gr/87201/antivirus-79/
The Lara Fabian Greece Facebook site kindly provided the text (google provided the translation, below):
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lara Fabian always keeps her promises ... If there is a message that she wants to convey through this interview it is exactly that. In a few weeks she returns to Athens because she promised her audience, who had not been able to hear her the previous time because of an unexpected storm. And she will continue to sing about diversity until the world understands that it can do nothing more than accept it. Why this is her promise too!
Return for two unique concerts in Athens. What are your memories of previous appearances in Greece and what do you think of the Greek public?
LF: I have wonderful memories of my past appearances in Greece, especially the one that took place in Herodion. Some places are simply magical and add another dimension to the concert that makes it unforgettable. I have a longstanding relationship with the Greek public. A relationship that has developed naturally over the years. I believe that the Greeks are an audience that respects art and culture, which can be understood by any artist who has the opportunity to appear in Athens.
Your last concert in Athens was canceled due to rain.
If: Yes, it was canceled just a few minutes before I got on stage due to an unexpected storm that paralyzed all the technical equipment. We did not even have a chance to make an announcement, and the insurance company would not let me on stage. So I spoke from a megaphone to the public, making the promise to return as soon as I can. I kept my promise, and that's why I'm here. I come to Athens for not one but for two concerts.
The concert is made in the context of the world tour and your 13th album, "Camouflage". What is the message behind this word (Camouflage), possibly behind the concert?
LF: "Camouflage" is the title of both the album and a song that is there. My previous album was in French and it was very personal because it was talking about my own people. For my parents, my daughter, my husband, my friends, etc. "Camouflage" now has to do with me and my attempt to see beyond my inner circle. To see what is happening in society, on the planet, and how people try to do their best to live, love and protect themselves and their loved ones. The song "Camouflage" speaks specifically about the need to hide ourselves, to wear our masks and to get involved with the crowd in order to protect ourselves. Something that is done to protect us is something that can become painful.
In Greece, as in several other countries, the European community is often forced to use the technical technique to protect itself from social racism. How close do you think we are in the so-called acceptance of diversity?
LF: Certainly things have improved a lot in the last few decades, when I wrote the song "La difference" as an attempt to explain to the general public something as simple as "love is love, there is no difference." But we are far from full understanding and acceptance of diversity. I do not use the word "tolerance," as we tolerate something that is "annoying". And there is nothing annoying about diversity and equality of rights. Compared with countries like Belgium, France, Spain or Portugal, countries like Greece and Italy unfortunately lag behind in terms of legal equality for LGBT+ communities. But I'm optimistic that things will change here as well. As Martin Luther King said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it is leaning toward justice."
You were involved in Oliver Ciappa's project against homophobia, entitled "Les couples imaginaires", photographed as a couple with Eva Longoria. How did this come up? How was this experience?
LF: It was an amazing project that was offered to me and Eva by this great photographer and activist. The rationale was well-known artists, politicians and athletes to pose as "fantastic" couples to show that love is just love. This collection, although released some years ago, continues to travel to several cities around the world. I asked Olivier to use these wonderful photos, during my last tour, as a setting for the song "La difference". This is how the photos were shown in all the cities we visited, from Moscow to Istanbul. And I believe that it has made people think and understand that this is not simply about the fact that we can not take anything from each other but that we need equal rights regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation and that is why we need to promote the acceptance of diversity in our societies. I promote nothing more than love and righteousness.
You have stated that Nana Mouskouri is one of the singers that has influenced you artistically. Would you do a corresponding photo shoot (like in les couples imaginaires) with her, if we ask you?
LF: of course I would. She is a beacon of culture and a fantastic and strong woman. I will not forget my first concert as a child. I asked my parents as a birthday present to take the Mouskouri concert. And I've still been a fan since then.
Are there any other artists from Greece you know?
LF: of course, some are my friends. One of my closest friends is George Perris, whom I basically consider him family or as I say "the brother I never had". I also love Mario Frangoulis.
Have you ever taken part in a pride event?
LF: Yes, I was invited to the central event at the pride of Montreal in 2016 and I gave a concert downtown. This was the first time I ever took part in such a tournament and it was fantastic!
Do you consider yourself an ally of the LGBT+ community? What characteristics do you think a man should show to be considered such an ally?
LF: As I said, the fight for equality for LGBT+ communities in the world is for me a question of justice. Equal rights, from a legal point of view, are not a matter of personal opinion or something that one has to ask for. They are universal and responsive to each individual. This is non-negotiable. Anyone who has a sense of justice and respect for humanity understands that there is no other way of accepting diversity. It is therefore a natural ally of the LGBT+ community. This issue for me is self-evident, just like gender equality and women's rights. In an ideal world we would not have to fight for these things. But unfortunately it is needed and it is something that concerns us all, not just LGBT+ community members.
If you made your life a movie, which actress would you like to play you? What would be the first scene?
LF: Difficult question. There are so many actors I admire and who I would like to play me. But on the other hand my life is not so exciting to become a movie. My life is quite common as a woman, daughter, husband and mother. And yes, I happen to be writing songs and going up on a stage, presenting them. But the rest of my life is the same as any working woman. However, for the actor we were saying and if we overlook the need for some resemblance in our appearance, I love Julianne Moore, Kate Blanchet, Jessica Chastain, and Jennifer Lawrence. But again I do not see why some of these women would play me in a movie (laughs).
What are the most important moments of your career so far?
LF: The first success was in Quebec, Canada, where it all started. Then when I returned to Europe with my next album "Pure", which actually started my career in Europe. Songs like "is Je t’aime" or "I will love again", which caught number one on the U.S. charts. The success of the album "Mademoiselle Zhivago" in Russia and Eastern Europe. And of course those magical moments that happen at concerts with the audience. It is difficult to express it in words, but it is that connection created through voice, music and lyrics. This connection is why I do what I do. And this is more important than any award and singing position.
Would you be taking part in Eurovision again?
LF: It was a nice experience when I was 18 years old. And Eurovision was quite different then, although it was the best live musical show on earth. While it is good, "never say never", I can not find a reason to go back. I think it is a good opportunity and for young artists to gain international recognition. In any case, back in 1988, I came out 4th in Luxembourg, without making any difference in my career and without leading somewhere. It took some years to earn success and recognition in Canada. Having said that, I would definitely suggest that a new artist compete in the contest if they ask for it. And what a great show that is where we can listen to songs from Portugal and Estonia to Cyprus and Norway. Where else do we have this facility?
What do you expect from these appearances in Athens?
LF: I return to Athens, as I promised. I want to make amends for all my fans who stuck in the traffic and waited for my show and had to wait under the rain to end up being frustrated by the cancellation. I promised to make good and I am a person who keeps her promises. Me, my band and the audience that will come and will participate in the best concert of this world concert. And then we'll relive it the next day. I really look forward to bringing the "Camouflage World Tour" to Athens and I really think it will be one of the best appearances in my career. If you want to see me sing once in your life, this is the opportunity.
Is there a story related to our community and you have never told it in public?
LF: I do not get anything specific, but I definitely get a lot of stories that have to do with people close to me, but the fact that they have not been said publicly means it's not to be said publicly.
What message do you want to send to our readers?
LF: I really look forward to coming to Athens because I think it will be one of the best appearances in my career. If you want to see me live at least once in your life, this is the opportunity ... May 19th and May 20th! Like two kisses, one on each cheek. Or both in the mouth ... as you like (laughs). See you soon!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, they organized a contest in which three contestants can win concerts to Lara’s concert of May 20th.
In other tour-related news, the Lara Fabian Brazil site posted a video of its various members welcoming Lara to that country, after an absence of some 17 years. It can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianBrasil/videos/1615081298529580/
The point of this is that these people have kept interest alive for all this time, and their site has been a very active one, the video being just one more proof. Finally Lara has reciprocated – and to go all that way for, apparently, just one show, is indeed an ‘extreme’ act on her part. Both sides, then, have, ultimately, gone out of their way for this endeavor to occur.
As one can see, Lara has more than a month break in her concert schedule so that she can be present for the final live shows of ‘La Voix. This was the week of the ‘battle of the singers’, and Lara’s team was reduced to the required six as Miriam battled with Leah and Pamela.
Miriam did a great job on the song ‘Formidable’, and she is indeed a formidable candidate. Apparently she re-wrote the lyrics and music. It can be seen at:
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-miriam-baghdassarian-la-voix-6
It is also available on youtube, at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZcjpto4UMU
Leah gave her usual ‘atmospheric’ presentation of ‘Je te promets’.
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-leah-west-la-voix-6
Pamela Boyer sang “The Show Must Go On” (which should have appeared at: tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-pamela-boyer-la-voix-6; unfortunately, that video does not appear to be working, at least when I tried it. Reportedly she performed well).
Lara chose Miriam (and some fans wondered why she was even in question…).
Lara put a picture of the remaining team members on her FB site, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2001826189858868/?type=3&theater
with the (translated) caption, “Here it is, my fantastic team that will get you through all the emotion ranges in the next few weeks!”
That picture came from the closing number of Lara’s team, who sang along with Lara and Laurence Jalbert the song ‘Resiste’; this video can be seen at:
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-lequipe-de-lara-resiste-la-voix-6
The song was chosen in honor of the recently deceased France Gall. Their joint presentation was fantastic, and it was great to see Lara get to perform; she appears to have a very strong team (but so do the other judges). One nice element of the show is that the candidates do honestly seem to be rooting for one another to provide a good performance.
In the coming week(s), Lara will be involved in the live presentation contests of La Voix. According to the promotional material from ‘La Voix’: “Who will sing at the first DIRECT (Live)? You will learn this Monday at 19 pm watching La Voix EXTRA, hosted by Anouk Meunier. Faithful to tradition, each of the coaches meets his six quarter-finalists for a team dinner, which is held this year at Garou's restaurant. We will know the name of the first twelve artists who will go on stage next Sunday!”
And indeed we found out – as can be seen from the photo from La Voix,
www.facebook.com/lavoixtva/photos/a.327556664006515.73909.272493026179546/1630404910388344/?type=3&theater
Lara chose Jean-Alexandre, Miriam and Redgee to represent her team. [In some of the other versions of this show, the audience participates in this decision]. It was pointed out that there are six men and six women left…is that just a coincidence?
In other news, Marco Duplessis posted a link (http://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2018/04/05/quebecs-superstar-music-media-exec-anne-vivien) to an article about Anne Vivien, who is the Executive Vice President for Music and Development at Quebecor. As such she is the head of Distribution Select, the label Musicor and the Musicor show division, all sister companies of the homegrown media empire Quebecor. It’s of interest because this is obviously the company that is promoting Lara, and is helping her (re)gain such enormous popularity so quickly in Quebec. As noted in the article, “Quebecor owns the most highly rated conventional television station in Quebec the TVA network, a number of cable channels, a portfolio of the most-read newspapers, one of the most successful book publishers, a catalogue of glossy magazines and …one of the leading internet and cable service providers in Quebec, Videotron.”
In addition to their overall promotion of Lara, there is this particular bit of news: “So when I solicit an artist to come to Quebecor, I still have to show that there is a plan, a pipeline. For example, Lara Fabian is signed to Musicor and is a judge on La Voix. Lara always wanted to write a book, so I called Christian Jetté at the Quebecor publisher Librex. “Do you have an imprint that would be a good fit for Lara?” Now she has a book deal.”
It is this sort of supportive network that Lara has been missing all these years…
In somewhat related news, the Lara Fabian Web FB site provided a link (https://www.facebook.com/larafabianweb/photos/a.247913198557556.83420.246805652001644/2159701367378720/?type=3&theater) to an article that indicates that Facebook is about to launch its own streaming service, in partnership with Warner Music. This will perhaps affect Lara, as Warner France was the record company behind her last French album. It remains to be seen if it will be so for the next one…
Interesting photo of the week: from Nicolas Navarro on the LFIAG SELECT site, at the Marché Gourmet du Sablon in Brussels:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1702494509796496&set=p.1702494509796496&type=3&theater&ifg=1
During the quarter and semifinals, if it works the way it is done on other Voice shows, both the audience and judges both get to weigh in on the winners. Each of the teams reduces, successively, their contestants to one performer. In the Grand Finale, these four performers go up against one another, and here only the audience votes for the winner. Presumably Lara will be involved this week in helping her three finalists. Good luck to them all.
David
www.facebook.com/larafabianweb/photos/a.247913198557556.83420.246805652001644/2157814070900783/?type=3&theater
Another picture of Lara there can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/marchegourmetdusablon/photos/a.309240869239515.1073741837.237608753069394/981488638681398/?type=3&theater
Whether this trip is in any way related to Lara’s emotional breakdown during her singing of ‘Je suis malade’ in Sophia last week we don’t know – but she looks fine in these photos (and performed without incident in the subsequent concerts last week). In listening again to Lara’s songs from that concert, one can note that when discussing ‘Pas sans toi’, she repeated her usual refrain of “this song says I could not make it without you” but she then she added, “and this could not be truer tonight. We all go through great periods, and then, extraordinarily difficult times, and we endure joy and also sacrifices…”
As expected, there were a number of additional videos that appeared from the three concerts of last week, listed below. The Sofia videos are not great video quality, but they have excellent sound. The high quality Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest videos (as usual, indicated by the asterisk at the end) are again thanks to the Lara Fabian Romania site, who always do an amazing job of preserving the record of Lara’s concerts there. Note that ‘Requiem pour un fou’ has been dropped from the repertoire.
additional Sofia videos:
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVPhrlEmXdg
Intro+ Chameleon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0ZgMn6yfA
J’ai zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YimY4FkDbM
Je t’aime: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN6cr1SEYUk
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3xLJI5clDA
We Are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGespkWhm-E
additional Cluj-Napoca videos:
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=is5UvRsAVWA*
Camouflage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgDBzoeV38g*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPZRg3sx5Nk*
I’m Breakable: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgDBzoeV38g*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADLWnlU6PgQ*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_vw7LeBas*
Perfect: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMqOi2Skm2M*
additional Bucharest videos:
Adagio: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFvADTOjAeQ*
Camouflage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Chameleon + Growing Wings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gyFDtdShIc*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_7gt5v140*
Communify: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
Humana: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKq81SaDvYw*
I’m Breakable: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
I Will love Again: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
If I Let You Love Me: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymafWlgJ9m4*
J’ai Zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKDMnnZtiZo*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto
Je t’aime: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_7gt5v140*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0B08EUM2Us (+ surprise from Romanian fans)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnUus1_m3L4
Keep the Animals Away: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_0Yg2PlEuE*
Painting in the Rain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaltfpjLvCA*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1__8VRVkWSU*
Perfect: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc9qOnO1fto*
We Are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4GNQ0nXw0w*
We are the Storm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl90wvHV4VI*
and there are videos of Lara arriving in Bucharest, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5740d7OkF1c
and leaving: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EBdIJr58oM
One highlight there was all the phones that lit up the audience for Je t’aime. (Lara mentioned she didn’t have her phone). She got the fans to sing along with her. Lara mentioned that one time during a past visit when she was quite sick, the fans had helped her by singing with her, which probably inspired Lara to try it again.
This past Sunday Lara had her concert in Budapest, Hungary. Lara provided the picture of poster advertising it, which can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2000741569967330/?type=3&theater
We have a number of videos from this concert as well; many of the ‘high quality’ ones are a bit shaky, but we’re happy to have them.
Budapest videos:
Adagio: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ1b0pXf_EU*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=atQZPkGvf80
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDTacqhzv_Y
www.youtube.com/watch?v=98U0m2XObcc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOs-KI2FSJM
(inc) www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaiOPaX-gfk
Broken Vow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmhDxCtSVxQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjgS2KTshE*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4L1hhKh1DI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV_04O5C6U0*
Choose What You Love Most: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjgS2KTshE*
Communify + I Will Love Again: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWfZN3uuEh0*
J’ai zappe: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1blunYD72dg*
Je suis malade: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFEnyJsnluY*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k9qTvT2AZc
Je t’aime (inc): www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ751sLZt9c
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrW31ezNNoo*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=98U0m2XObcc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbqwzNpoO1c
Painting in the Rain: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6v-2iduvU*
Pas sans toi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8linH0jUJE0*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1nMXcPsjU*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-19OdGfhc4
We are the Flyers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR6v-2iduvU*
We are the Storm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eeZkBpmG2c*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4sYSkv4JLA*
Thanks to all the people who take the time to record these videos and share them with us.
At the end of the concert, Lara put the following interesting picture on her FB site,
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2002192319822255/?type=3&theater
with the caption, “Thank you Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania for 4 beautiful evenings ... next stops: Amsterdam (May 17th) and Athens (May19th/20th).”
Several items associated with that upcoming concert in Greece have appeared. “Antivirus” magazine featured Lara on the cover, as seen at:
avmag.gr/87201/antivirus-79/
The Lara Fabian Greece Facebook site kindly provided the text (google provided the translation, below):
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Lara Fabian always keeps her promises ... If there is a message that she wants to convey through this interview it is exactly that. In a few weeks she returns to Athens because she promised her audience, who had not been able to hear her the previous time because of an unexpected storm. And she will continue to sing about diversity until the world understands that it can do nothing more than accept it. Why this is her promise too!
Return for two unique concerts in Athens. What are your memories of previous appearances in Greece and what do you think of the Greek public?
LF: I have wonderful memories of my past appearances in Greece, especially the one that took place in Herodion. Some places are simply magical and add another dimension to the concert that makes it unforgettable. I have a longstanding relationship with the Greek public. A relationship that has developed naturally over the years. I believe that the Greeks are an audience that respects art and culture, which can be understood by any artist who has the opportunity to appear in Athens.
Your last concert in Athens was canceled due to rain.
If: Yes, it was canceled just a few minutes before I got on stage due to an unexpected storm that paralyzed all the technical equipment. We did not even have a chance to make an announcement, and the insurance company would not let me on stage. So I spoke from a megaphone to the public, making the promise to return as soon as I can. I kept my promise, and that's why I'm here. I come to Athens for not one but for two concerts.
The concert is made in the context of the world tour and your 13th album, "Camouflage". What is the message behind this word (Camouflage), possibly behind the concert?
LF: "Camouflage" is the title of both the album and a song that is there. My previous album was in French and it was very personal because it was talking about my own people. For my parents, my daughter, my husband, my friends, etc. "Camouflage" now has to do with me and my attempt to see beyond my inner circle. To see what is happening in society, on the planet, and how people try to do their best to live, love and protect themselves and their loved ones. The song "Camouflage" speaks specifically about the need to hide ourselves, to wear our masks and to get involved with the crowd in order to protect ourselves. Something that is done to protect us is something that can become painful.
In Greece, as in several other countries, the European community is often forced to use the technical technique to protect itself from social racism. How close do you think we are in the so-called acceptance of diversity?
LF: Certainly things have improved a lot in the last few decades, when I wrote the song "La difference" as an attempt to explain to the general public something as simple as "love is love, there is no difference." But we are far from full understanding and acceptance of diversity. I do not use the word "tolerance," as we tolerate something that is "annoying". And there is nothing annoying about diversity and equality of rights. Compared with countries like Belgium, France, Spain or Portugal, countries like Greece and Italy unfortunately lag behind in terms of legal equality for LGBT+ communities. But I'm optimistic that things will change here as well. As Martin Luther King said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it is leaning toward justice."
You were involved in Oliver Ciappa's project against homophobia, entitled "Les couples imaginaires", photographed as a couple with Eva Longoria. How did this come up? How was this experience?
LF: It was an amazing project that was offered to me and Eva by this great photographer and activist. The rationale was well-known artists, politicians and athletes to pose as "fantastic" couples to show that love is just love. This collection, although released some years ago, continues to travel to several cities around the world. I asked Olivier to use these wonderful photos, during my last tour, as a setting for the song "La difference". This is how the photos were shown in all the cities we visited, from Moscow to Istanbul. And I believe that it has made people think and understand that this is not simply about the fact that we can not take anything from each other but that we need equal rights regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation and that is why we need to promote the acceptance of diversity in our societies. I promote nothing more than love and righteousness.
You have stated that Nana Mouskouri is one of the singers that has influenced you artistically. Would you do a corresponding photo shoot (like in les couples imaginaires) with her, if we ask you?
LF: of course I would. She is a beacon of culture and a fantastic and strong woman. I will not forget my first concert as a child. I asked my parents as a birthday present to take the Mouskouri concert. And I've still been a fan since then.
Are there any other artists from Greece you know?
LF: of course, some are my friends. One of my closest friends is George Perris, whom I basically consider him family or as I say "the brother I never had". I also love Mario Frangoulis.
Have you ever taken part in a pride event?
LF: Yes, I was invited to the central event at the pride of Montreal in 2016 and I gave a concert downtown. This was the first time I ever took part in such a tournament and it was fantastic!
Do you consider yourself an ally of the LGBT+ community? What characteristics do you think a man should show to be considered such an ally?
LF: As I said, the fight for equality for LGBT+ communities in the world is for me a question of justice. Equal rights, from a legal point of view, are not a matter of personal opinion or something that one has to ask for. They are universal and responsive to each individual. This is non-negotiable. Anyone who has a sense of justice and respect for humanity understands that there is no other way of accepting diversity. It is therefore a natural ally of the LGBT+ community. This issue for me is self-evident, just like gender equality and women's rights. In an ideal world we would not have to fight for these things. But unfortunately it is needed and it is something that concerns us all, not just LGBT+ community members.
If you made your life a movie, which actress would you like to play you? What would be the first scene?
LF: Difficult question. There are so many actors I admire and who I would like to play me. But on the other hand my life is not so exciting to become a movie. My life is quite common as a woman, daughter, husband and mother. And yes, I happen to be writing songs and going up on a stage, presenting them. But the rest of my life is the same as any working woman. However, for the actor we were saying and if we overlook the need for some resemblance in our appearance, I love Julianne Moore, Kate Blanchet, Jessica Chastain, and Jennifer Lawrence. But again I do not see why some of these women would play me in a movie (laughs).
What are the most important moments of your career so far?
LF: The first success was in Quebec, Canada, where it all started. Then when I returned to Europe with my next album "Pure", which actually started my career in Europe. Songs like "is Je t’aime" or "I will love again", which caught number one on the U.S. charts. The success of the album "Mademoiselle Zhivago" in Russia and Eastern Europe. And of course those magical moments that happen at concerts with the audience. It is difficult to express it in words, but it is that connection created through voice, music and lyrics. This connection is why I do what I do. And this is more important than any award and singing position.
Would you be taking part in Eurovision again?
LF: It was a nice experience when I was 18 years old. And Eurovision was quite different then, although it was the best live musical show on earth. While it is good, "never say never", I can not find a reason to go back. I think it is a good opportunity and for young artists to gain international recognition. In any case, back in 1988, I came out 4th in Luxembourg, without making any difference in my career and without leading somewhere. It took some years to earn success and recognition in Canada. Having said that, I would definitely suggest that a new artist compete in the contest if they ask for it. And what a great show that is where we can listen to songs from Portugal and Estonia to Cyprus and Norway. Where else do we have this facility?
What do you expect from these appearances in Athens?
LF: I return to Athens, as I promised. I want to make amends for all my fans who stuck in the traffic and waited for my show and had to wait under the rain to end up being frustrated by the cancellation. I promised to make good and I am a person who keeps her promises. Me, my band and the audience that will come and will participate in the best concert of this world concert. And then we'll relive it the next day. I really look forward to bringing the "Camouflage World Tour" to Athens and I really think it will be one of the best appearances in my career. If you want to see me sing once in your life, this is the opportunity.
Is there a story related to our community and you have never told it in public?
LF: I do not get anything specific, but I definitely get a lot of stories that have to do with people close to me, but the fact that they have not been said publicly means it's not to be said publicly.
What message do you want to send to our readers?
LF: I really look forward to coming to Athens because I think it will be one of the best appearances in my career. If you want to see me live at least once in your life, this is the opportunity ... May 19th and May 20th! Like two kisses, one on each cheek. Or both in the mouth ... as you like (laughs). See you soon!
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In addition, they organized a contest in which three contestants can win concerts to Lara’s concert of May 20th.
In other tour-related news, the Lara Fabian Brazil site posted a video of its various members welcoming Lara to that country, after an absence of some 17 years. It can be seen at:
www.facebook.com/LaraFabianBrasil/videos/1615081298529580/
The point of this is that these people have kept interest alive for all this time, and their site has been a very active one, the video being just one more proof. Finally Lara has reciprocated – and to go all that way for, apparently, just one show, is indeed an ‘extreme’ act on her part. Both sides, then, have, ultimately, gone out of their way for this endeavor to occur.
As one can see, Lara has more than a month break in her concert schedule so that she can be present for the final live shows of ‘La Voix. This was the week of the ‘battle of the singers’, and Lara’s team was reduced to the required six as Miriam battled with Leah and Pamela.
Miriam did a great job on the song ‘Formidable’, and she is indeed a formidable candidate. Apparently she re-wrote the lyrics and music. It can be seen at:
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-miriam-baghdassarian-la-voix-6
It is also available on youtube, at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZcjpto4UMU
Leah gave her usual ‘atmospheric’ presentation of ‘Je te promets’.
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-leah-west-la-voix-6
Pamela Boyer sang “The Show Must Go On” (which should have appeared at: tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-bataille-de-pamela-boyer-la-voix-6; unfortunately, that video does not appear to be working, at least when I tried it. Reportedly she performed well).
Lara chose Miriam (and some fans wondered why she was even in question…).
Lara put a picture of the remaining team members on her FB site, at
www.facebook.com/larafabianofficial/photos/a.622966977744803.1073741829.201065806601591/2001826189858868/?type=3&theater
with the (translated) caption, “Here it is, my fantastic team that will get you through all the emotion ranges in the next few weeks!”
That picture came from the closing number of Lara’s team, who sang along with Lara and Laurence Jalbert the song ‘Resiste’; this video can be seen at:
tva.canoe.ca/emissions/lavoix/videos/chant-de-lequipe-de-lara-resiste-la-voix-6
The song was chosen in honor of the recently deceased France Gall. Their joint presentation was fantastic, and it was great to see Lara get to perform; she appears to have a very strong team (but so do the other judges). One nice element of the show is that the candidates do honestly seem to be rooting for one another to provide a good performance.
In the coming week(s), Lara will be involved in the live presentation contests of La Voix. According to the promotional material from ‘La Voix’: “Who will sing at the first DIRECT (Live)? You will learn this Monday at 19 pm watching La Voix EXTRA, hosted by Anouk Meunier. Faithful to tradition, each of the coaches meets his six quarter-finalists for a team dinner, which is held this year at Garou's restaurant. We will know the name of the first twelve artists who will go on stage next Sunday!”
And indeed we found out – as can be seen from the photo from La Voix,
www.facebook.com/lavoixtva/photos/a.327556664006515.73909.272493026179546/1630404910388344/?type=3&theater
Lara chose Jean-Alexandre, Miriam and Redgee to represent her team. [In some of the other versions of this show, the audience participates in this decision]. It was pointed out that there are six men and six women left…is that just a coincidence?
In other news, Marco Duplessis posted a link (http://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2018/04/05/quebecs-superstar-music-media-exec-anne-vivien) to an article about Anne Vivien, who is the Executive Vice President for Music and Development at Quebecor. As such she is the head of Distribution Select, the label Musicor and the Musicor show division, all sister companies of the homegrown media empire Quebecor. It’s of interest because this is obviously the company that is promoting Lara, and is helping her (re)gain such enormous popularity so quickly in Quebec. As noted in the article, “Quebecor owns the most highly rated conventional television station in Quebec the TVA network, a number of cable channels, a portfolio of the most-read newspapers, one of the most successful book publishers, a catalogue of glossy magazines and …one of the leading internet and cable service providers in Quebec, Videotron.”
In addition to their overall promotion of Lara, there is this particular bit of news: “So when I solicit an artist to come to Quebecor, I still have to show that there is a plan, a pipeline. For example, Lara Fabian is signed to Musicor and is a judge on La Voix. Lara always wanted to write a book, so I called Christian Jetté at the Quebecor publisher Librex. “Do you have an imprint that would be a good fit for Lara?” Now she has a book deal.”
It is this sort of supportive network that Lara has been missing all these years…
In somewhat related news, the Lara Fabian Web FB site provided a link (https://www.facebook.com/larafabianweb/photos/a.247913198557556.83420.246805652001644/2159701367378720/?type=3&theater) to an article that indicates that Facebook is about to launch its own streaming service, in partnership with Warner Music. This will perhaps affect Lara, as Warner France was the record company behind her last French album. It remains to be seen if it will be so for the next one…
Interesting photo of the week: from Nicolas Navarro on the LFIAG SELECT site, at the Marché Gourmet du Sablon in Brussels:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1702494509796496&set=p.1702494509796496&type=3&theater&ifg=1
During the quarter and semifinals, if it works the way it is done on other Voice shows, both the audience and judges both get to weigh in on the winners. Each of the teams reduces, successively, their contestants to one performer. In the Grand Finale, these four performers go up against one another, and here only the audience votes for the winner. Presumably Lara will be involved this week in helping her three finalists. Good luck to them all.
David
