At the end of last week, the Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes formally tested out its tsunami warning procedure via the department’s FR-Alert system. Up and down the coast, phones buzzed and rang loudly to inform residents of a “major” threat, but while it was a fictional event this time, there is a strong probability of a tsunami in the Mediterranean in the years to come.
According to UNESCO, there is a nearly 100% chance of a tsunami with a wave of over a metre in height hitting the Mediterranean coastline in the next 30 years. Indeed, since 1600BCE, there have been at least 290 tsunamis recorded in the Mediterranean, a region that is home to 500 million people.
The most recent threat to the south of France and Monaco occurred in 2003, when an underwater earthquake just off the Algerian coast caused a minor tsunami. Thankfully, the damage locally was minimal.
‘Tsunami Ready’ certification
On Friday 19th January, the same day that thousands in the Alpes-Maritimes received the tsunami alert on their phones, UNESCO Technical Secretary for the Mediterranean Denis Chang Seng officially recognised Cannes as being ‘Tsunami Ready’ under the organisation’s Tsunami Recognition Programme.
The certification acknowledges the efforts that have been made by the city and its mayor, David Lisnard, to prepare Cannes for an incoming tsunami over the last few years. These include the large-scale testing of alert systems and the emergency service response, and the installation of public evacuation notices.
Since 2018, Cannes has been recognised by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs as a “model city” with regards to its population protections.
“This distinction obtained by Cannes is a first in the Mediterranean and in mainland France,” said Lisnard at the ‘Tsunami Ready’ ceremony. “It is recognition of the concrete municipal approach to the anticipation and management of these natural phenomena [that was] initiated in 2014… Thanks to this methodical work and the sharing of information regarding appropriate reactions with all stakeholders, potentially dramatic events can be better understood. Our priority is to limit material damage and, above all, to avoid human losses.”
Globally, 44 cities have the same ‘Tsunami Ready’ status, although they are predominately in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.
Monaco Life explores the connections – historical and etymological – between the Ancient Greek hero of Heracles and the Principality, including the story of how its most famous port came to bear his name.
What do a divine hero of Ancient Greek mythology and a small, wealthy state on the north of the Mediterranean coast, some 1,400 kilometres from Thebes, have in common? Quite a lot as it happens, and far more than just the name of a harbour.
Portus Herculis Monœci
Port Hercule is almost certainly the most obvious connection between Heracles – Hercules to the Romans – and Monaco, but may still be subtle enough to slip past many already familiar with the Principality and its history.
It is the largest port in Monaco and is a deep natural bay that is somewhat rare on this stretch of coast, making it a popular choice for sailors in the region for millennia.
According to the historical archives of the Principality, “Coins dating back to the first quarter of the fourth century BCE from Marseille, Syracuse, Peloponnesos and Cyprus prove that Monaco was integrated into trade in the Mediterranean Sea. These relics, along with many others, cause us to estimate that the highest level of activity in the ancient port was around 300BCE.”
Other artefacts, including those of Carthaginian origin, have been found in Monaco itself.
Julius Caesar is said to have visited the Portus Herculis Monœci in 50BCE. Photo by Monaco Life
The Romans are believed to have been behind the naming of the port as we would recognise it today. Portus Herculis Monœci was an “essential refuge along the shipping route that connected Italy to the province of Narbonne and then to Hispania” for the growing empire before the turn of the millennium and Julius Caesar is understood to have stopped off here in 50BCE.
Monoikos before the Romans
But even before this heyday in Classical Antiquity, there were hints of a connections between Monaco or Monoikos as it was first described by Hecataeus of Miletus circa 500BCE and the Greek hero.
Some attribute Monoikos to the “Phoenician or Hebrew words Menihh or Monêhh, which mean ‘restful’”, says government sources, while others tie it to a temple supposedly built in the region in honour of Heracles. Legend describes the hero as being “solitary” or “having one temple only”: monos-only and oikos-house.
The true origins of the name may never be known. It is very likely that a Ligurian tribe had been living in the area before the Greeks and its overseas colony of Massalia, now Marseille, laid claim to this coveted piece of land and sea.
A fascinating array of artefacts from Monaco’s past await discovery at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique. Photo via Facebook
The 12 Labours of Heracles
The base for all these stories and myths would appear to have sprung from the Labours of Heracles legend, which saw the semi-divine hero complete a series of seemingly impossible tasks at the behest of King Eurystheus.
For his 10th challenge, Heracles was sent to capture the cattle belonging to the giant Geryon, who lived on the island of Erytheia near modern-day Cádiz. On his way back, Heracles is said to have taken a route along the northern Mediterranean shoreline and cut a path into the cliffs above Monaco. Some tales even say that this is how the Rock or the Rocher of Monaco became to be.
Mentions of a path bearing Heracles’ name appear in writing as early as the fourth century BCE.
It is also rumoured that a temple dedicated to the Theban hero was constructed where the Église de Sainte-Dévote sits today, but there are other suggestions that it sat high above the Principality, perhaps even where the Trophée d’Auguste now stands.
Ercole of Monaco
Did you know that Monaco even had a ruler with a name inspired by Heracles? Ercole, who lived from 1562 until his assassination in 1604, was the Lord of Monaco for more than 15 years. He was an unlikely ruler, being the youngest of four sons of Honoré I and Isabella Grimaldi, but added his part in legacy of the Grimaldi family as the dynastic rulers of the Principality when his son, Honoré II, became the first in the line to adopt the title of Prince of Monaco.
Other members of the Grimaldi family are believed to have carried on the tradition of using the name Ercole. It was given to Prince Honoré II’s own son, who died before he could take on the role of Prince himself. The Palais Princier de Monaco’s Hercules Gallery, which was part of the vast renovations completed last year, was reportedly named so in his memory.
The Hercules Gallery of the Palais Princier de Monaco. Photo by Monaco Life
Herculis and an Olympic tie
This link with the Ancient Greek hero has also given its name to the Meeting Herculis EBS athletics event, which will this year take place on 12th July, two weeks before the Paris Olympic Games behind on 26th July.
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Photo credit: Mat Helot, Unsplash
FPA2’s Olivier Wenden joins jury for Ocean Pitch Challenge
An empowering and conservation-focused competition, the Ocean Pitch Challenge has announced that applications can now be submitted for its 2024 edition ahead of the final in May, which will see the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco’s CEO Olivier Wenden take a place on the jury.
The event, of which the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco (FPA2) is a partner, is a collaborative effort between the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) and RespectOcean in France to support entrepreneurs and thinkers is making real their dreams and aspirations.
Not only does the Ocean Pitch Challenge help shine a light on pioneering conservation concepts, but it also provides a platform for skill enhancement, particularly when it comes to delivering a strong pitch.
The 10 handpicked finalists will all receive specialist coaching in the art of pitching to give them the skills to better present their ideas to potential investors.
The event also acts as a networking hub, connecting participants with experts, potential partners and investors in the maritime conservation field.
As such, winners and participants can expect rewards that extend beyond trophies and titles. These include media exposure, opportunities to showcase their projects at major events and memberships to influential networks. Such rewards are designed to offer real-world benefits and help scale the participants’ projects.
A grand finale will take place in Paris in May and it has been confirmed that the FPA2’s CEO and Vice-President Olivier Wenden will be on the deciding jury.
Applications must be submitted by 29th February 2024.
Click here for more information about the Ocean Pitch Challenge and here to submit an application.
After 15 years as Artistic Director of the Princess Grace Academy, Luca Masala is proud to tell Monaco Life, “We have a 100% success rate. All our graduates have joined top companies around the world”.
Luca Masala was a former ballet dancer, trained at La Scala in Milan, the School of American Ballet, and the Princess Grace Academy of Classical Dance in Monaco, at that time directed by Marika Besobrasova. Over the course of his career as a professional dancer, he was part of renowned companies, such as the Royal Ballet of Flanders, the Ballet National de Nancy, the Wiesbaden Staatsheather in Germany, and the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich. As a principal dancer, he performed many of the lead roles in the classical and contemporary repertoire.
At the end of his dancing career, he transitioned into teaching becoming a Maître de Ballet for the Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse where he collaborated with many known choreographers.
In 2009 he was appointed as Artistic Director of Teaching and Pedagogy at the Princess Grace Academy in Monaco, with the mandate to bring back the luster to this school for elite dancers. The Academy is now one of the best dance schools in the world, so we can say … mission accomplished!
Luca Masala, photo credit: David Herrero
Monaco Life: Is being a dancer quite a different profession from being an instructor?
Luca Masala: I actually think a professional dancer is quite like a teacher, as they both share the same quality of giving. As a dancer you must be a very generous person who wants to bestow to others; the same is required to be an instructor, maître de ballet or even a choreographer. You give to students and teach them how to excel and give them the tools on how to cope in this challenging environment. The dancer in turn gives of himself or herself on the stage.
When you became a director, were you given free range to implement your ideas?
I was named director of the academy in 2009 and I was asked to bring back the academy to its international level. I had been called at the last minute and had to propose a project that included how to update and upgrade the school curriculum, but also the need to refurbish Casa Mia to be more livable for the students of our times. The school had considerably faded together with the previous director. I had carte blanche to prepare a business plan that was accepted and progressively successfully implemented.
Do you feel you have accomplished your goals after 15 years at the helm of the Princess Grace Academy?
Hard to believe it is already my 15th season, and I can proudly say that we advanced further than I would ever have imagined when I started. The Academy is one of the best dance schools in the world. We are part of the Ballets of Monte-Carlo, and that was a very important move from our beloved President Princess Caroline, and of course Jean-Christophe Maillot.
I am very satisfied and overjoyed, as the young students graduating from the Academy have become professional dancers, they have joined reputable companies, and are having great dancing careers, with a few of them are playing leading roles in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s creations. It is a very big honour.
Princess Grace Academy students are often hand selected by Luca himself. Photo credit: Alice Blangero.
How do you challenge each other in your team to improve and innovate?
It is essential to be surrounded by people with a passion. They do not have to share your exact same vision; people are different, and they should be free to express their own opinions as this enriches us all.
But what brings us together is the love we have for the Academy, for the students and the education we give them; people must have a generous spirit, be very loyal and put their heart in everything they do.
Maybe the reason why Jean-Christophe called me, was that we are very similar, we give over-and-above the sense of duty, always with a passion. Our Academy project is worth it even if takes so much time away from our private lives. We try to motivate each other in the team, avoid falling into a routine that would make our existence boring. The idea is to keep evolving and progressing.
How do you recruit talented students? Which percentage of graduates join top companies?
Recruiting is a difficult task. It can be done in different ways; we have students taking summer and winter courses, or private auditions in the Academy. The other way is myself going around the world finding talented youngsters who are not able to come to us. The extensive travel is concentrated in certain parts of the year, demanding all my commitment. Last season alone I scouted 15,000 in total! Our aim is to find somebody who is passionate and dedicated and has something to give to our profession. We have a 100% success rate. Since 2009, all graduates have joined top companies around the world.
A student at the Princess Grace Academy. Photo credit: Alice Blangero.
Could you tell us the qualities of the ideal dancer of our times?
I like to be surrounded by people who love what they do. So, I do not focus only on technical qualities like strength, flexibility, control, precision; it is more about their passion, when you see there is a visceral need to dance, to give back and touch somebody else’s soul. I rather look for that kind of kid, a human being who can inspire and move others, instead of just copying and being technically perfect. Today, young people are lost in the virtual world of social media, so they need role models who inspire, and stir the same strong sentiments in them.
The students entering the Academy are adolescent from different nationalities and cultures. How do you manage to offer top ballet training, and at the same prepare them for life?
Yes, the Academy not only provides excellent dance instruction, but is a school of life, a home away from home. We dedicate a lot of our time to prepare kids to live in a community, accept their cultural diversity, acquire social skills and moral values, accept each other’s differences to get richer from association.
Having 19 nationalities this season is a gift, something very positive. You must explain certain things, teach tolerance, something that is lacking in our world, and understanding the reason behind their cultural differences; make them realise how to inspire people so they follow your ideas and learn how to fight for them through your profession with the fine instrument that is your body.
Princess Grace Academy students come from all over the world to train in Monaco. Photo credit: Alice Blangero.
I heard you are working on a new project together with Thierry Leviez of Pavillon Bosio. Can you please tell us about it?
For the Imprevus, created by Jean-Christophe Maillot, taking place every March at the company’s atelier in Beausoleil, a young choreographer from the Ballets des Monte-Carlo works together with the students from Pavillon Bosio and the Academy. They create ballets choreography with staging, costumes, video projections, etc. This year the company will be on tour at that time, so Luca decided to do the Imprevus with Elias Lazaridis, a Greek world-class dancer and choreographer based in Belgium, who is coming to prepare a piece for the Academy Gala. He has collaborated with the most prominent dancers in the UK, Hofesh Shechter and Akram Khan, and since 2010 has been working for the Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui dance company. This newly created piece will be performed on avant-premiere during the Imprevus and will debut at the Salle Garnier in June 2024 for the Academy Gala, a special annual event, a unique stage experience, where the young dancers showcase their talent and achievements.
What are your goals to take the Academy into the future?
Even if 15 years is a long time for a director to last, there are still plenty of things that need to be done. The main objective is to provide the top-of-the-line instruction, continuously striving for improvement, to help the students find the right tools to succeed. As a director, it is important to be able to speak your mind without fear of being misunderstood or judged harshly, be totally honest to help them advance further in their lives preparing for them for the stage and for life. There are certainly new projects in the making that I cannot yet reveal.
Monaco’s Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste has released three new and limited edition stamps for 2024 and each bears a theme close to the heart of Prince Albert II.
The Monegasque tradition of issuing stamps dates back to the summer of 1885, when a set featuring the effigy of the Prince Charles III went on sale. Since then, philately – the name for the study of postage stamps, postal history and the collection and appreciation of stamps – has become something of a national hobby.
Prince Rainier III was a renowned philatelist and he founded the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies de Monaco, which can still be visited, in 1950.
In the early days, the museum exhibited the collections belonging to his predecessors, Prince Albert I and Prince Louis II, but today, Prince Rainier’s extensive personal collection is displayed too.
The first two of the new stamps released for 2024 are a tribute to the Aeronauts of Monaco, who have recently been in headlines for their attempts to create a more environmentally friendly way to practice their hobby.
The association has developed an “ecological balloon” that members say saves up to 70% in energy over normal hot air balloons by using double insulated walls. It has been dubbed the Monaco Next Generation Project.
The drawings for these two stamps were done by artist Thierry Mordant and can be used for letters up to €1.96.
The third stamp bears a Monegasque crest and pays homage to the founding of the Federation of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, the Prince Albert II-led association that connects towns and cities all over France and Italy who have at some point in time been linked to the Grimaldi family. The first sites were recognised in 2015 and there are in the vicinity of 150 members today.
This stamp is a €2 model whose layout was designed by Créaphil.
The third stamp is a nod to Prince Albert’s Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network.
Each of the new stamps is available on limited runs of 40,000. The hot air balloon stamps are sold as a pair.
To visit the online shop, which also sells a range of stamps from previous collections, click here.
For information about the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies de Monaco, click here.
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Images via Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste
Next month at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo: the light, the dark and a sold-out visit from Rolando Villazón
After a packed January schedule, which will see the Opéra de Monte-Carlo take on Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto and then Brahm’s haunting blend of Baroque funeral cantata and Romantic oratorio in Ein Deutsches Requiem, the first part of February will be rather quiet, but that will all change towards the end of the month…
It won’t be until 23rd February that the Opéra de Monte-Carlo will appear again on stage in the Principality, but the return will be dramatic.
Elements of the dark and the light will revive the season over four performances between 23rd and 29th February as the Opéra recreates two one-act operas: Cavalleria Rusticana and Gianni Schicchi.
1889’s Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni is based on a short story of the same name. Set in Sicily, it is a tale of jealousy, revenge, lust, betrayal and murder, but without the melodrama that can often mar these kinds of dramatic pieces.
Gianni Schicchi, known widely as Giacomo Puccini’s only comedy, takes its inspiration from a scene in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The opera, which opened first in 1918, could almost be set today: it is the story of a scheming yet ingenious peasant who is called upon by the greedy relatives of a rich old man to change his will to their benefit. In a sleight of hand no one saw coming, he rewrites the will and leaves the fortune to himself, thus enabling him to pay for his daughter’s wedding.
The full details about these performances can be found here.
Rolando Villazón makes his return
On 24th February, famed Mexican tenor, stage director, author, and radio and TV personality Rolando Villazón, who directed The Barber of Seville in Monaco during the spring of 2023, will make his return to the Principality.
He will be performing extracts from works by Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Donizetti, Verdi, Offenbach, Tosti and more, accompanied by the recently founded Swiss Symphonic Orchestra, as conducted by Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer.
Tickets have already sold out, but you can click here for more information about the concert.
Don’t forget…
Giulio Cesare in Egitto will be performed on 24th, 26th, 28th and 30th January. A gala night will coincide with the opening performance. For reservations and more information, click here.
Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem will be revived on the Monaco stage on 29th January. To reserve your seat or for more information about the concert, click here.
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Photo credit: Opéra de Monte-Carlo
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