visit to Monaco, see the Culture & Traditions:
Monte-Carlo Philharmonic OrchestraThe first permanent orchestra established in 1863 came into its own with the opening of the Garnier Palace in 1879. In 1953 it became known as the National Orchestra of the Monte-Carlo Opera, and it was renamed the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1979. Many great conductors of this century, from Richard Strauss to Toscanini and Leonard Berstein to Lorin Maazel, have led the orchestra in concert. The Orchestra's Music Directors have included Paul Paray, Louis Fremaux, Igor Markevitch, Lovro von Matacic, Laurence Foster and James DePreist. Today, the Artistic Director and Conductor in chief of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is Marek Janowski.
Opera of Monte-Carlo
Since its creation in 1879, the Opera of Monte-Carlo has gained international fame, playing a key role in promoting the most beautiful voices to the rest of Europe. The Opera of Monte-Carlo secured a reputation for artistic innovation. Authors such as Bizet, Franck or Massenet wrote some of their works for the Monéguasque Opera. Regularly, the Opera goes on tours to play works of its repertoire.
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
After founding the Academy, which bears her name, Princess Grace wished to revive an old tradition by inviting George Balanchine, Serge Lifar and J.B. Cerrone, a Monégasque who directed the "Harkness Ballet" and founded the "Houston Ballet". Remembering her mother's wishes, H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover created the new Monte-Carlo Ballet, the management of which she first entrusted to Ghislaine Thesmar and Pierre Lacotte. Today Jean-Marc Genestie is responsible for the Administrative Direction and Jean-Christophe Maillot is the Choreographer. With enthusiasm and competence, they are striving together to raise the Company to the highest international level.
The Little Singers of Monaco
These young voices carry on a tradition from the reign of Prince Antoine I in the early eighteenth century, when an ensemble of children's voices sang the liturgies in the Palatine Chapel. In 1973, the Government of the Principality asked the late Philippe Debat, whose son Pierre is the current Chapel Master, to carry out a musical mission in every country of the world with a choir of children's voices only. Prince Rainier III affectionately called this choir of 26 boys "My Little Singing Ambassadors".
Religious and civil traditions have been upheld for centuries in the Principality of Monaco. They are sometimes linked; rites and ceremonies being accompanied by popular festivities, but the former are more firmly anchored in the collective memory of Monégasques than the latter. They are an integral and exclusive part of the social, cultural and moral heritage of the Principality.
Saint Devote (January 27)
Carnival (February/March)
Holy Week Processions (March/April)
Saint John's Day (June 24)
Saint Roman (August 9)
Monégasque National Holiday (November 19)
Monégasque Christmas (December 25)
