DTC partner of Monegasque cultural representations

DTC operation end 2018 - Teams of the DTC, "Cecilia Bartoli & the Musicians of the Prince" and Monte Carlo Ballets © DTC

During the end of 2018, the Department of Tourism and Congress (DTC) carried out operations promoting Monaco together with the performances of the tour of “Cecilia Bartoli & the Musicians of the Prince” and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo.

On November 23 in Amsterdam, December 3 in Paris and December 10 in Hamburg, as part of the concerts performed by Cecilia Bartoli, a dozen journalists attended the performances of the mezzo-soprano and were able to meet, in exclusivity, the artist at the end of his performances. These journalists were also invited to meetings to discover the richness and diversity of the Principality’s cultural program.

DTC operation end 2018 - Teams of the DTC, "Cecilia Bartoli & the Musicians of the Prince" and Monte Carlo Ballets © DTC
DTC operation end 2018 – Teams of the DTC, “Cecilia Bartoli & the Musicians of the Prince” and Monte Carlo Ballets © DTC

At the same time, the Venetian performances of “Romeo & Juliet” by the Ballets de Monte-Carlo also received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the journalists present.

A dozen similar operations were organised throughout 2018, in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and in Belgium.

Prince Albert describes Monaco as a safe haven

HSH Prince's trip to Rethondes, Péronne and Cormicy

Prince Albert of Monaco described the Principality of Monaco as a “safe haven in many respects” in his short New Year’s Eve address.

He talked about “the tensions present everywhere in the world about many subjects” as well as the importance of seeking new perspectives.

HSH Prince's trip to Rethondes, Péronne and Cormicy
HSH Prince’s trip to Rethondes, Péronne and Cormicy

The Prince suggest we think about acts of devotion and solidarity that bring people and countries together.

He also promoted the concept of inter-generational integration, as well as suggesting young people from Monaco should go out and explore the world.

After reflecting on those who are less fortunate, he concluded his speech by wishing a Happy New Year to the Monégasque people. “On behalf of my family, I send you our warmest wishes for 2019. Happy New Year!”

Monaco’s Prince Albert continues mother’s Christmas legacy

Prince Albert meeting children at Christmas party

The palace had to change plans at the last minute for the traditional children’s Christmas party. Heavy rains forced the organisers to move into the throne room, where more than 650 children aged between 5 and 12 met ‘Santa’.

Prince Albert meeting children at Christmas party
Photo: Facebook Palais Princier de Monaco

Prince Albert hosted the event with his nephew Louis Ducruet – a duty he relishes since he took over the 60-year-old annual event from his mother, Princess Grace.

The first party was set up to introduce Princess Grace to the children of Monaco. Guests were entertained by a reel of Disney cartoons before each received a gift from a member of the royal family.

Each year, children have enjoyed a range of entertainers – stage magicians, a visit from Santa, circus performers and more.

87th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (22-27 January 2019)

The route of the 87th Rallye de Monte-Carlo is designed to be more compact but still challenging. The Rallye is the inaugural round of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

After two strenuous days for recce, from Tuesday January 22nd 2019 at 8am to Wednesday January 23rd at 9pm, competitors who are authorised to start will get ready to do so on Thursday January 24th at 10am during Shakedown (3.35 km).

This section, located on La Garde road, will be identical to the last three editions in the commune of Gap. The partner city of Gap will welcome the rally for the sixth consecutive year, so the Service Park will once more be situated near the Fontreyne nautical stadium.

The official start of the 87th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo is scheduled for Thursday January 24th, starting at 7.17pm from the Place Desmichels in Gap.

Photo: Automobile Club of Monaco

During this first nocturnal leg, there will be two unprecedented special stages of a total of 41.35 kilometres.

Friday January 25th, heading south-west of Gap, the 2nd day of the race will take place over two departments (Drôme and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), for a total of 125.12 kilometres, all of which will be timed.

The 3rd day of the race, Saturday January 26th, North-West, then North-Est of Gap, with a total of 93.38 kilometres, timed, will be just a tough as the last two.

The conclusion of the rally, on Sunday January 27th – the day of Saint Devote, patron Saint of Monaco – will consist of four timed events, for a total of 63.98 kilometres, without assistance, in the back country of the Alpes-Maritimes.

New talent at 6th international Four Hands Piano Competition

Concert pianist

Under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert, the Lions Club of Monaco presented to the Principality the 6th International Piano Competition for four hands on December 15th, 2018. Pianists competed for the prestigious Bank Edmond de Rothschild Prize.

The event was hosted by the Hermitage in Monte Carlo. The winners were pianists who had not routinely performed together competitively in four hands competitions.

The four hands piano competition was accompanied by the Monte Carlo Solistes Orchestra guided by Jean Louis Dedieu.

Concert pianist

Vlad Ferrari performed a composition at the opening of the evening.

The talented Polish pair, Anna Wielgus and Grzegorz Nowak, were selected as winners, over an accomplished Japanese duo – Keiko Kawabata and Ryosuke Yanase.

Princess Charlene Foundation raises €52,000 at ball

Monaco ocean

The Christmas Ball in aid of the Princess Charlene Foundation raised €52,000 for the charity.

The ball took place in the Belle Époque Hall at Hermitage Hotel on 15th December.

The Foundation’s aim is to teach children about the dangers of water and to prevent drowning. More than half of drownings around the world are people under the age of 25, according to the World Health Organization.

Monaco ocean

This is the third year that the ball, organised by Sandrine Knoell-Garbagnati in its thirteenth year, has benefitted the Foundation.