Monaco offers a vibrant music scene, with spectacular performances by some of the world’s most esteemed artists. Indeed, despite Monaco’s diminutive size, the principality offers a steady roster of musical performances to keep even the most ardent music fans satisfied.
Here we explore a selection of world-class Monaco music events, along with the principality’s most star-studded venues. Whether you are visiting, or reside in one of Monaco’s apartments or villas, music lovers will not be disappointed.
World-class Monaco music events
Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is the main orchestra in Monaco, predominantly holding performances in the Auditorium Rainier III, as well as at the Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum. Founded in 1856 with just 15 musicians, the orchestra has now swelled to some 80 members, including some of the world’s most renowned musicians, guaranteed to enthral Monaco music fans. Previous conductors include Marke Janowski, Yakov Kreizbert, Gianluigi Gelmetti, and Lawrence Foster. The orchestra’s current principal conductor and artistic director is Kazuki Yamada. If you are looking to attend a grand Monaco concert, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will not be a disappointment.
Monte Carlo Jazz Festival
This fantastic concert is an annual highlight of Monaco’s music calendar. The festival held its inaugural event in 2006 and has since grown to incorporate a wide variety of musical events that delight Monaco music fans each year. Events are typically held at the Salle des Etoiles and at the Opera Garnier, with the festival spanning some two weeks, bringing together the world’s greatest jazz musicians for some truly memorable performances.
Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival
This wonderful Monaco music festival started out in 1974 and, since its inception, has grown into one of Monaco’s largest annual events. Held every July and August, the summer festival plays host to a wide range of talented artists from across the globe at the Salle des Etoiles and the Sporting d’Été. Former artists that have graced the event’s line-up include Mariah Carey, Rod Steward, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Jamie Callum. Since his appointment in 2010, the festival’s artistic director, Jean-Rene Palacio, has worked tirelessly to create one of the biggest live music festivals in the world.
Spring Arts Festival
This annual music festival will delight Monaco music fans each year with its roster of musical events spanning some four long weekends every spring. The festival’s main focus is on showcasing an eclectic selection of music from the 11th to 21st centuries, including symphonies, operas, recitals, performances, and dance, welcoming artists from across the globe, especially those from more off-the-beaten-track destinations. Indeed, past performances have included the Congo Orchestra and the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. Every year the festival welcomes more than 500 guest artists performing across some 30 concerts to more than 10,000 spectators. Concerts are held at a wide range of venues across Monaco, including at the Opera de Monte Carlo, the Salle des Etoiles, and the Oceanographic Museum. A Monaco music must!
World-class Monaco concert venues
Not only does Monaco play host to some spectacular musical events, but its venues are also amongst some of the finest in the world. Here is a selection of some of Monaco’s most eminent venues where Monaco concerts often take place.
Opera de Monte Carlo
This stunning opera house and concert hall, part of the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, hosts a full roster of Monaco music events. International stars that have appeared on its stage include Lionel Richie, Prince, rock band YES, and many more. Indeed, if you are in search of world-class Monaco music events, the Opera de Monte Carlo should be your first port of call. The venue’s grand and sumptuous setting only elevates the experience further.
Salle des Etoiles
Home to some of Monaco’s biggest events, the Salle des Etoiles offers a steady roster of Monaco’s music events. Indeed, some of the world’s biggest names have graced its stage, including Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, and Elton John, to name just a few, with music lovers flocking to this amazing venue to enjoy concerts that span all types of musical genres. The venue is entirely unique, boasting amazing sea views and a retractable roof, enabling some of the world’s biggest music stars to perform under the stars.
Salle Empire
While not strictly a dedicated music venue this grand space located in the Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo plays host to some of Monaco’s grandest affairs, including extravagant balls, magnificent banquets, grand galas, spectacular parties, and intimate concerts. Boasting marble columns, sparkling chandeliers, ornate gold features, and sculpted archways, a Monaco music concert at the Salle Empire is guaranteed to be a spectacular and memorable event.
So, whatever genre of music you desire, Monaco’s wide range of spectacular musical events is bound to delight.
