Month: February 2020

Film: Jivan Avetisyan’s ‘Gate to Heaven’ to premiere in Canada

Vanyan Gary
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 14 2020
Culture 13:34 14/02/2020 Armenia

“Gate to Heaven”, a feature film about Artsakh directed by Jivan Avetisyan, will premiere in Canada on 4 and 5 April.

The film screening is scheduled to take place at York Cinemas of Toronto, the film’s team told Panorama.am.

The Canadian premiere of the Armenian drama is being held at the initiative of the Armenian Club of Toronto.

Before that, on March 21, the film will be screened at Alex Theater in Los Angeles in attendance of world-famous Italian composer Michele Josia, who wrote the score of the film. 

The Armenian and Artsakh premiere of the film was held in October 2019.

“Gate to Heaven” centers on Robert Stenvall, a European journalist, who returns to Artsakh in 2016 to cover the Four-Day April War. During his time in Artsakh, Stenvall meets Sophia Martirosyan, a young Opera singer and daughter of a missing photojournalist Edgar Martirosyan whom Robert left behind in captivity in the village during the fall of Talish in 1992.

“Gate to Heaven” is a co-production of Armenia, Lithuania. Finland and France.

Eurovision: Preview: Armenia aim to break non-qualification streak

Maghakian Mike
ESC Daily
Feb 14 2020
Joshua Mayne (Australia)

Armenia are returning to their national final selection process (Depi Evratesil), after internally-selected Srbuk finished 16th in her semi final last year. Since their first participation in 2006, Armenia has only failed to qualify three times, with two of those coming in the last two years. Will the return to a national final format be the key for success in Rotterdam? 

‘Butterflies’ is a fresh and catchy song that is enjoyable on first listen. It is a track, however, that could have more appeal as a studio version rather than live performance. The big question will be whether Agop can bring strong vocals to his live rendition. Combined with an eye-catching visual performance though, this entry has the potential to challenge some of the favourites.

Arthur Aleq brings his song ‘Heaven’ to Depi Evratesil, incorporating pop and traditional Armenian instrumental. The song shows off Aleq’s falsetto well, but it feels as if it lacks peaks and troughs. This plateau will make it hard to maintain the audience’s attention and interest for the whole three minutes.

The Armenian-Greek singer Athena Manoukian has expressed interest in competing at Eurovision, and she now has her chance. ‘Chains On You’ is a modern track that could easily be featured on a pop radio station. Whether that is a good or bad thing for Eurovision is debatable, but this song appears to be a favourite to represent Armenia.

This entry features an intriguing mix of jazz, pop and alternative elements. ERNA possesses great vocal control, which is crucial for a song with such a strong jazz influence. Although it is not a fan favourite, ‘Life Faces’ cannot be ruled out as a potential winner – it is unique and oddly catchy.

‘No Love’ is another pop entry in Depi Evratesil, but lacks some punch compared to the other songs. The melody itself is interesting, with various instrumental breaks. However, against arguably stronger entries, this song may not have the x-factor to win on Saturday.

‘It’s Your Turn’ brings vibes of early 2000s Eurovision dance-pop entrants. It begins as a slow ballad, progressing into disco, and then into an almost Caribbean-dance style entry. Although fun and likely a guilty pleasure for many, it is unlikely that this entry will have the legs to win this competition.

‘What Is To Be In Love’ is a soft, gentle ballad which incorporates some strong falsetto. If executed well live with warm staging, this could definitely be a moving performance. Whether it has enough substance to win the national final is another question, though.

‘Why?’ is a pop song that may struggle to stand out in Depi Evratesil 2020. There is nothing inherently wrong with the entry, but it lacks edge and an element of uniqueness. The repetitive nature of the song will not help it’s chances, either.

Miriam Baghdassarian is an Armenian-Canadian singer who recently participated in La Voix 2018 (the French-Canadian version of The Voice). The vocals are powerful and moving in her song ‘Run Away’. Although, her entry is slightly one-dimensional. Will there be enough in the song to interest viewers?

Standing alone in the rock genre is Sergey and Nikolay Harutyunov with their song ‘Ha, Take a Step’. The gritty vocals and a powerful bridge are the main positives of the song. However, it is typically difficult to win a Eurovision national final with a rock entry unless it is extremely well-liked. It is possible, but this song may lack the power and melodic drive to win.

A favourite leading into Saturday night, ‘Save Me’ is a modern entry that could translate well onto the live stage with a slick and contemporary performance. The song is powerful, with comparisons drawn between the work of Benjamin Ingrosso and The Weeknd. Interestingly, TOKIONINE was one of the songwriters on Armenia’s 2019 entry ‘Walking Out’.

After winning Junior Eurovision in 2010, Vladimir Arzumanyan will be attempting to represent his country at Eurovision 2020. His song ‘What’s Going On Mama’ has a nice laidback vibe to it, but like a few entries this year, is rather repetitive. What will be interesting though is to see how his live vocals will match the studio vocals, which appear to be digitally altered.

All videos at the link below

https://www.escdaily.com/preview-armenia-aim-to-break-non-qualification-streak/









Eurovision: The Wiwi Jury reveals their favourites in Armenia’s Depi Evratesil 2020

Mary Lazarian
WiwiBloggs
Feb 14 2020
  • Posted on
  • byAntranig Shokayan

Depi Evratesil 2020 takes place this Saturday. Armenia will be searching for a song to snap their two year non-quealification streak. There are twelve hopefuls looking to take the baton from Srbuk and fly the Armenian flag in Rotterdam. Now, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — sits down to determine their favourites.

1. TOKIONINE – “Save Me”

What a fascinating conundrum that Armenia has. None of these twelve songs could be considered guaranteed qualifiers at Eurovision. However, both TOKIONINE and Athena Manoukian have the potential to be exceptional entries, with the right performances. Neither is a typical Eurovision entry and that’s why they have the potential to be special. “Save Me” seems more at place on the soundtrack of a car racing video game than the Eurovision stage and if he can harness those vibes on stage, this could go a very long way.

2. Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You”
3. Miriam Baghdasaryan – “Run Away”
4. Vladimir Arzumanyan – “What’s Going On Mama”
5. EVA Rida – “No Love”

1. TOKIONINE – “Save Me”

In what is unfortunately a rather weak national final this year, TOKIONINE has the best potential to bring Armenia back to the final in Rotterdam. While many of the other songs badly need a revamp, this feels like the best overall product. It does feel contemporary but at the same time fits within the creative approach Armenia has taken in recent years.

2. Vladimir Arzumanyan – “What’s Going On Mama”
3. Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You”
4. ERNA – “Life Faces”
5. Sergey & Nickolay Arutyunov – “Ha, Take a Step”

1. Sergey & Nickolay Arutyunov – “Ha, Take a Step” 

Oh dear, not a stellar year for Armenia. I was really looking forward to this jury but I struggled to fill my top five. Nevertheless, my favourite is Sergey & Nickolay Arutyunov with “Ha, Take a Step”. I was initially concerned with the song title but when I hit play, I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely a throwback feel (though that seemed to be the theme of Armenia this year) but I really like the anthemic chorus and I know it will sound and look great on a big stage with proper production.

2. Miriam Baghdasaryan – “Run Away”
3. Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You”
4. Vladimir Arzumanyan – “What’s Going On Mama”
5. TOKIONINE – “Save Me”

1. TOKIONINE – “Save Me”

“Save Me” is one of only two songs in Depi Evratesil 2020 that actually sounds like a product of this decade. TOKIONINE delivers a slick take on alternative R&B, like an Armenian version of The Weeknd. But while the studio version is highly replayable, my big concern is how it will come across live. In many photos, TOKIONINE is hiding behind a hat and sunglasses — does the hit producer have the rock star persona needed to really deliver the song live?

2. Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You”
3. EVA Rida – “No Love”
4. Vladimir Arzumanyan – “What’s Going On Mama”
5. Miriam Baghdasaryan – “Run Away”

1. TOKIONINE – “Save Me”

While the top three Armenian entries are clear among the rest, it’s clear each of them have… work to do. “Save Me”, while needing an edge to truly excel, does feel like a complete package. Modern production, a strong industrial, EDM-style hook and the potential for strong staging (think Japanese or Miami Vice styling and colours). Am I incredibly excited? No, but if Tokionine plays his cards right, then he can shape it up for Armenia.

2. Athena Manoukian – “Chains On You”
3. Vladimir Arzumanyan – “What’s Going On Mama”
4. Miriam Baghdasaryan – “Run Away”
5. Karina EVN – “Why?”

Music: Recordings of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra available in IDAGIO App

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 14 2020
Culture 20:31 14/02/2020 Armenia

Recordings of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra are now available on IDAGIO App – a streaming mobile service for classical music. As the Orchestra reported in a press statement, IDAGIO is a prestigious platform for classical music that allows users to listen to the works of famous bands and musicians. The App cooperates with number of well-known groups, music agencies and catalogues.

In November 2019, IDAGIO was named one of Time Magazine’s 2019 Best Invention.

Works of Aram Khachatryan, Avet Terteryan, Edgar Hovhannisyan and Nikolay Rimski-Korsakov performed by the State Symphony Orchestra are among the list of the App. It is noted that IDAGIO offers all music lovers to subscribe free of charge for two months and enjoy the recordings.

Links to reports on Syrian Parliament’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide

Ekmekjian Janet
Armenian News note:
To avoid repetition, we have compiled some of the reports on Syrian Parliament’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
—————————— 
 
Syria parliament recognises Armenian genocide
 
 
Syria parliament recognises Armenian genocide
 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/syria-parliament-recognises-armenian-genocide/ar-BBZXVAm
 
 
Syria recognizes Armenian Genocide as ties with Turkey hit low
 
 
Syrian parliament recognises Armenian genocide after Erdoğan’s threats
 
 
Syria’s Parliament Recognizes Armenian Genocide
 
 
Syrian parliament recognises Armenian Genocide
 
 
Syrian parliament recognizes the Armenian Genocide amid Syria-Turkey tensions
 
 
Syrian gov’t passes resolution condemning the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians, Syriacs
 
 
Syria recognizes Armenian Genocide as ties with Turkey hit low
 
 
 Syria recognizes Armenian genocide amidst Idlib tensions
 
 
Syrian parliament recognises Armenian Genocide
 
 
The Syrian Parliament Recognized the Armenian Genocide
 
 
Syrian Parliament unanimously recognizes Armenian Genocide
 
 
 Syria Passes Resolution Condemning Turkish Genocide of Assyrians, Armenians
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Armenian-German relations intensively develop – Merkel

Chatinian Lara

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 18:36,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia-Germany relations develop quite intensively, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced during a press conference, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS informs from Berlin.

“Great changes have taken place in Armenia. Changes are being carried out today in the legal system. We know it’s not an easy task and wish success to Armenia in its efforts”, Angela Markel said.

She recalled her visit to Armenia and emphasized that she was impressed by her visit to TUMO center, the result of which is that in autumn a TUMO center will be opened in Berlin. She noted that intensive cooperation continues in various spheres.

Angela Merkel highlighted the Armenian peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and thanked for it. She also referred to Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and added that she will continue the meeting with PM Pashinyan with a rich agenda of discussions.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

High level Armenian-German talks take place in Berlin

Bedik Zaminian

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 20:32,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The meeting between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel took place in Berlin.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime MInistye rof Armenia, welcoming Armenian Prime Minister’s visit, the German Chancellor emphasized its importance as she was confident that the visit came as an opportunity to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda. Mrs. Merkel went on to assure that her government will continue to back the Armenian side in an effort to push ahead with the ongoing democratic reforms.

Coming to economic developments, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that high growth rates had been recorded in various sectors of the economy. The Premier said his government eager to see broader involvement of German capital in Armenia’s economy, and invited German companies to take part in investment projects in Armenia.

The parties discussed a broad range of issues, including cooperation in the fields of industry, infrastructure, tourism, information technology, education, etc. Prime Minister Pashinyan referred to the upcoming April 5 referendum on constitutional changes in Armenia. He pointed out that the Government is going to invite international observers to monitor the referendum.

On behalf of her government, Angela Merkel expressed support for Armenia’s judicial reform. She emphasized the importance of those steps taken by the Armenian government to develop democratic institutions.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armenian-German relations on highest ever level – PM Pashinyan

Chmshkian Vicken

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 18:14,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Germany is one of the power bridges linking Armenia to the EU, the European civilization and culture, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS informs from Berlin.

“Germany is Armenia’s close friend and partner and we can feel that power of friendship in terms of both emotionally and practically. Today I can record with confidence that our friendship is based on common values”, Pashinyan said, adding that it fosters cooperation in various spheres.

Pashinyan added that this is his 3rd meeting with Angela Merkel, which shows the high level of bilateral relations.

“I am glad to note that today we are also linked with mutually beneficial cooperation and practical programs. We are ready to do everything to further strengthen it”, Pashinyan said.

Nikol Pashinyan particularly emphasized the assistance of Germany to the reforms in Armenia and expressed gratitude to Germany and the EU for the moral, political, and financial support. “It is of key importance for ensuring the irreversibility of democracy in our country”, he said.

The Armenian PM informed that at the end of February Armenia expects the visit of the delegation of German businessmen, while in October “Armenia-Germany economic forum 2020” will take place.

“We are greatly interested in the entry of German companies to Armenia. I have to record with satisfaction that following our last year’s meeting we have tangible progress over almost all the agreements. We are very happy for the agreement with KfW Bank on establishing a TUMO center in Berlin. It’s a great honor for us to share our experience with a technological giant like Germany”, PM Pashinyan said.  

He expressed the interest of Armenia to further popularize German language and culture in Armenia. “We hope that the Goethe Center in Yerevan opened in December 2017 will become a full-fledged institute in the near future. Summing up my speech, let me record that today the Armenian-German relations are on the highest ever level”. PM Pashinyan said.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Recognition of Armenian Genocide by Syrian parliament sign of friendship – MFA Armenia

Jagharian Tania

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 21:06,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The adoption of the resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide by the People’s Council of Syria is a brilliant evidence of the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Syrian peoples. It’s an important contribution to the restoration of historical justice and prevention of genocides, reads the statement issues by the Foreign Ministry of Armenia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia.

“We highly appreciate the adoption of the resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire by the People’s Council of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The genocide unleashed by the government of the Young Turks a major part of which was carried out in the territory of Syria that was under the Ottoman rule at that time, is a part of the shared memories of the Armenian and Syrian peoples.

The Syrian people, witnessing the calamity facing the Armenian people, were one of the 1st to extend a helping hand to the genocide survivors. Thousands of survivors re-found their new motherland in Syria, establishing one of the most flourishing Armenian communities and had their contribution to the development of Syria.

This resolution is a brilliant evidence of the centuries-old friendship and reciprocal sympathy between the Armenian and Syrian peoples. It’s an important contribution to the restoration of historical justice and prevention of genocides”, reads the statement, expressing solidarity with the Syrian people, who currently face challenges.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Germany is an important and successful model of p parliamentarism for Armenia – Pashinyan

Emma Nadirian

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 18:43,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia switched to parliamentary system of government in 2018 and Germany is a very important and successful model for Armenia in terms of parlaimentarism, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS informs from Berlin.

“I want to emphasize another aspect of relations with Germany which is of great importance for us. You know, Armenia switched to parliamentary system of government in 2018 and Germany is a very important and successful model for Armenia in terms of parlaimentarism. Being an effective and powerful country, the mechanisms of restraint and counterbalances operate precisely, where democracy is not doubted and it’s irreversible. In this sense we attach great importance to relations with Germany and we will talk about the current developments and the reform agenda in Armenia with Mrs. Chancellor”, Pashinyan emphasized.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan