The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), together with Armenian broadcaster ARMTV have just unveiled the stage for the 20th Junior Eurovision song contest, that will be held on 11th of December in Yerevan, Armenia.
The design
Inspired in the idea behind this years’ slogan, Spin the magic, the stage will be filled with the neon energy, as it was seen in the promotional video of the show. The stage will be composed of a central area with a led floor, surrounded also by leds, in the same style as the Eurovision stages of 2011 and 2012. Together with it, a huge led will serve as the background, where modern visuals will enhance the performances of the 16 performers. A circular catwalk, also filled with leds, will embrace the vip zone, in which many fans will be able to see the performances live. For the moment we do not know where the green room will be located.
Apart from the technical idea behind it, this stage symbolizes the main motto of the show. the central stage functions as the top which is the symbol of the year. The led lines will try to reproduce the circular movement of the top, aiming to show the audience the energy behind each of the performances.
In the top part, suspended from the ceiling, there will be a circular structure which reminds elements from other stages, like Junior 2018 or Senior 2011. Apparently, it will function as a big dome of light that will move upwards and downwards with each performance to individualize them more. Another LED will also be surrounding this structure.
“The stage is a creative visual representation of the official artwork. The centre stage is the spinning top surrounded by strings of light that represent the ‘spinning’. These colourful strings are also reflected above the stage and radiate the energy from every single performance. While being minimalist, yet technologically advanced, the stage design offers multiple staging possibilities for all of the performers.“
David Tserunyan, Executive producer of Junior Eurovision 2022
While simplistic in design, it embraces the modern technology and offers each country a big amount of posibilities to make each performance unique.
Our goal was to create a modern and technologically advanced stage that both reflects our vision and is versatile enough to fit the creative needs of the participating broadcasters. We have already started working with our colleagues from all 16 countries and are very excited to deliver a truly magical show this December!’
David Tserunyan, Executive producer of Junior Eurovision 2022
The impressive location
The Karen Demirchyan complex looks like a big bird opening its wings from the outside. A waterfall with a big staircase welcomes the audience. It has been praised by architects, who have compared it to Sydney’s famous opera house. It has two main rooms, one for concerts and another one mainly dedicated to different sports, and another room for politics and exhibitions. Among other events, it has been the host place of the World’s boxing Championships in 2009.
This venus was created in 1983, but was almost destroyed in a fire in 1985, and it was not until 1987 when it was renewed and used again. In 2005 it was sold by the armenian executive for 5,7 million dollars. At that moment it went through a new renovation process that lasted until 2008. During the pandemc, the place served as a hospital, as many important places around the world did.
The name of the complex, Karen Demirchyan, comes after the expresident of the armenian parlament, who was assassinated in 1999, honouring her.
JUNIOR EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2022
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 will take place next Sunday 11 December in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. After the victory of Maléna and her “Qami Qamiat the last festival held in Paris (France), the Karen Demirchyan Complex will host the contest for the second time in its history, as it did in 2011.
This is a very special edition as it is the 20th anniversary of the children’s festival. Therefore, public broadcaster ARMTV is preparing a big show where it hopes to have the largest number of participating countries fighting for the crystal microphone.
Year after year, Junior Eurovision is becoming more and more popular among young audiences and year after year it is acquiring greater potential and popularity. And above all, it gives visibility to new talents in the world of music.