The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
For over 160 years now, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (or OPMC) has been delighting its audiences with incomparable symphonic concerts. It all began in 1856, when the OPMC was a very small group of only fifteen musicians. They played in the Monte-Carlo Gambling House, now the Casino, a hall that was too small to allow for large-scale concerts. But little by little, the group, which took the name of Orchestre du Nouveau Cercle des Étrangers, expanded thanks to Parisian musicians and grew from fifteen to seventy musicians in a few years.
This was fortunate because, at the same time, the Monte-Carlo district was home to two magnificent establishments, inaugurated in 1879: the Casino and the Monte-Carlo Opera House, designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier.
The Orchestra was now able to offer concerts on a larger scale, with an increasingly high musical quality. At the same time, it expanded its repertoire and its reputation spread beyond France. From La Traviatta, to the Barber of Seville, to the famous Don Giovanni: the great classics of classical music and opera are interpreted with success
Some great composers, such as Puccini, Ravel, or Fauré, to name but a few, chose the orchestra to create their "world premieres". Monte-Carlo gradually became a reference point for music on both a worldwide and European scale.
In 1958, a little more than a hundred years after its creation, the orchestra was renamed "Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo". It was not until 1980 that the name "Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo" was given to it by Sovereign Order.
Although the OPMC, now conducted by Kazuki Yamada, occupies a prominent place on the international scene, it remains extremely loyal to the Principality, with numerous concerts given throughout the year. Of course, he participates every year in the Printemps des Arts festival and, since 1959, has given a series of open-air concerts in the Courtyard of the Prince's Palace every summer. These are two not-to-be-missed events for classical music lovers, who do not hesitate to make the trip from abroad
But the OPMC does not limit itself to the classical repertoire, quite the contrary. Contemporary music also finds its place in the performances, from Henze to Lutoslawski, through Hurel. A rich and varied program, which has led the OPMC to perform at major events, such as the festivals of Aix-en-Provence, Paris, Prague, Vienna, Orange and Lisbon. The Orchestra regularly tours throughout Europe, Asia and America
Recently elected "Orchestra of the Year" by Radio Classique, the OPMC, chaired by Princess Caroline of Hanover, even launched its own label in 2010: "OPMC Classic". The Orchestra records its greatest performances on a CD
The Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival
Every year, the Principality of Monaco hosts an event that is highly coveted by music lovers from all over the world: the Princes' Spring Festival. For a month, classical concerts, conferences dedicated to the greatest musicians and exhibitions reflect the love that Monaco and the Princely Family have for musical culture.
It was under the impetus of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace that the event was born in 1970, under the name of the Monte-Carlo International Arts Festival. At that time, the Festival was not held in the spring, but in the summer (for eight years), then in the winter (for five years). The Prince and Princess hoped to put art and culture back in the spotlight, but also to attract the public. But the very long duration of the festival (four months!) did not allow for the permanent presence of the public and, little by little, the concerts were diluted in time. In 1981, Princess Grace suggested a complete rethinking of the Festival's organization. A shorter, more condensed format was proposed, to be held on the Easter weekend and to last for two weeks.
This shortened spring edition was definitely launched, planned for 1984. Princess Grace asked for a change of name beforehand, for something shorter and more striking. Spring Festival", "April in Monte-Carlo" or "Primavera de Monte-Carlo" were considered before the name "Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo" was adopted. It was also decided that each year the Festival would be accompanied by a theme. So many beautiful projects, which unfortunately Princess Grace will not see the outcome. Victim of a tragic car accident, she died two years earlier. Her daughter, Princess Caroline, took over the presidency of the organizing committee.
Today, the Principality continues its work and the greatest names in classical music are honored each year, from Mozart to Beethoven, from Debussy to Bartók, from Ravel to Prokofiev.Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Like music, dance has a very important place on the Monegasque cultural scene. The Ballets de Monte-Carlo enjoy today a great international reputation and have their origins in Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, of which the famous George Balanchine was a member. From 1911, the company performed regularly in Monte Carlo until 1928
After Diaghilev's death, Colonel de Basil and René Blum (Leon's brother) continued his work. But the two artistic directors did not get along and each founded their own company. In 1936, René Blum created his own company, financially supported by the Principality, and then sold it to an American group in 1938. It took the name of "Ballet russe de Monte-Carlo" and gave numerous performances throughout the world, before disappearing in 1951
It was not until 1985 that Princess Caroline, imbued with the same artistic spirit as Princess Grace, requested the reconstitution of the company, which took the name "Ballets de Monte-Carlo". The choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot took over in 1993, and has since created more than thirty great ballets for the company, such as Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, The Nutcracker Company, and The Taming of the Shrew
The Princess Grace Academy, created in 1975, provides excellent teaching to young dancers who dream of one day joining the prestigious company
Theater in Monaco
The theatrical program is extremely varied on the Rock. One-man shows, classical or contemporary plays and children's shows are performed all year round and it is not uncommon to come across big names who have come to perform in the Principality.
Although Monaco is a very small territory, it has many theaters and concert halls, of which the list is not exhaustive
- The Princess Grace Theatre:
Formerly called the "Théâtre des Beaux-Arts", inaugurated in 1932, it was restored under Rainier III, in accordance with the wishes of Grace Kelly, who wanted to see the revival of comedy theater in the Principality. It was renamed and inaugurated in 1981.
- Fort Antoine:
If today this magnificent place offers open-air shows, its original purpose and, indeed, its architecture, were military. Built in the 18th century by Prince Antoine I on the Rock, it was destroyed in 1944 and then rebuilt in 1953, on the initiative of Prince Rainier III.
- The Grimaldi Forum:
This immense glass and steel convention center and cultural center was built in 2000. Its 70,000 square meters of surface area, built on the Mediterranean, make it an extremely versatile venue, capable of hosting 3,000 people for a variety of events.
- Le Théâtre des Muses:
A former baker's oven, this theater was opened in 2012, after a complete metamorphosis. It is now an intimate and warm place, conducive to improvisational theater, which provides courses and workshops for children and adults.
- The Espace Léo Ferré :
In 1994, the Salle du Canton was inaugurated in the Fontvieille district. A modern space, disseminating culture in the Principality, renamed Espace Léo Ferré in 2013, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of the Monegasque singer.
- The Théâtre des Variétés:
This hall, inaugurated in 1993, usually hosts amateur theater, but also concerts and movies. It is also here that classic films are shown, as part of the Tuesdays of the cinema.
- The Monte-Carlo Sporting :
Created in 1974, and renovated twenty-five years later, this large entertainment complex of more than 1,600 square meters is located on the Larvotto peninsula, entirely overlooking the sea.
- The Rainier III Auditorium:
This intimate and contemporary venue regularly hosts concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. It bears the name of Prince Rainier, builder and fervent defender of arts and culture in Monaco.
Like the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the theatrical offer is not reserved for a wealthy class: if proper dress is often required, the rates are generally very attractive for young people, in order to open culture to the greatest number
The Serenissima of Humor
Because it's always good to laugh, Monaco has been hosting a new festival entirely dedicated to comedy for a few years now: the Serenissimes de l'Humour. Famous comedians, such as Elie Semoun, Jean-Luc Lemoine or Patrick Timsit, take to the stage each year for a short but effective festival of laughter. Placed under the high patronage of Prince Albert II, and organized in partnership with Rire & Chansons, this festival is regularly given in support of a charity in the Principality.
