Month: January 2024

The next generation of musical and theatrical talent being nurtured at Monaco’s Académie Rainier III has unveiled a rich cultural programme, all of which is free to enjoy, for the winter season.  

From jazz shows to choral concerts and a special event commemorating the Principality’s patron saint, the coming few months will be packed with exciting performances featuring the students of the Académie Rainier III. Here are some of the highlights. 

JANUARY 

It all kicks off on 27th January, when the Children’s Choir joins in with Monaco’s national Sainte-Dévote celebrations by hosting the London-based Tenebrae Choir for a joint concert at the Cathedral of Our Immaculate Lady.  

Then, on 31st January at 6pm, the strings, the wind and polyphonic departments will hit the stage of the Théâtre des Variétés for a live concert accompanied by chamber music and a choir. 

FEBRUARY 

The Théâtre des Variétés sets the scene again on 7th February at 6.30pm, when the introductory theatre class of the Academy takes to the boards to perform theatrical and musical works of their choosing. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the acting stars of tomorrow as they hone their craft.  

Next up, on 12th, 14th and 16th February, the students will make the Espace Léo Ferré their home base for the annual Journées de l’Académie and three specialist concerts, all starting at 7pm.  

MARCH 

To round out the programming, March will see the students perform an orchestral concert at the Auditorium Rainier III on 20th March at 8pm, followed on 23rd March with another concert event in Dolceacqua, Italy, which recently became an official twinned city with the Principality. 

See more: Photos: After 500 years of family ties, Monaco and Dolceacqua are officially “twinned”

The Académie Rainier III is an educational establishment specialising in the musical and dramatic arts. More than 800 students are currently enrolled, and there are more than 60 teachers and an administrative and technical team of 13. 

Tickets for the various events will become available on 18th January. Reservations are required for each occasion, but all are free of charge. 

For more information, click here.  

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Photo credit: Académie Rainier III

British legend Sir Elton John is auctioning off the contents of his Atlanta apartment and fans have a chance to purchase his eclectic collection of photographs, artworks, stage costumes and memorabilia in an exciting new auction by Christies.  

Following the sale of his incredible apartment in Atlanta, United States, Christie’s will present a series of historic sales dedicated to Sir Elton John. An evening sale at Rockefeller Centre will open this series of eight sales, in New York and online, dedicated to one of the greatest legends in the world of music.

Rare opportunity to acquire a part of the singer’s history and heritage

Atlanta is a key city in Elton John’s life. It is the place to which he constantly returned throughout his numerous American tours, and in 1992 he surprised everyone by deciding to settle there. But his love for Atlanta was in fact quite personal – after becoming sober in 1990, it was within Atlanta’s welcoming communities and treatment centres that Elton John found the comfort and support he needed.

“Organising ‘The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road’ sale alongside Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish is a great privilege for Christie’s,” said Tash Perrin, Vice-President Christie’s Americas. “This extraordinary collection brings together a wide range of remarkable objects that encapsulate the life, work and art of Elton John.”

What is going on sale?

Over the years, Elton John has amassed an impressive collection of art, objects and memorabilia, many of which are commissions specially designed for his Peachtree Road residence. Among them, ‘Your Song’ by Damien Hirst, signed and dedicated with a “XXX for Elton + David, love Damien, Thank You”, estimated to fetch between $350,000 and $450,000, and a portrait of Elton John painted by Julian Schnabel, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000).

His photographic collection includes the works of Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon and many others.

The artist’s dazzling wardrobe is also featured in the sale, in particular a remarkable gold and ivory ensemble, the work of Annie Reavey in around 1971. Estimated at $12,000, it is one of the very first stage outfits designed exclusively for Elton John.

Testament to the eclectic tastes of Elton John, the sale offers a remarkable collection of Versace items, including a selection of vintage Gianni Versace shirts as well as tableware and decorative items.

The Atlanta apartment also houses a grand piano, collections of glass art, antiques and travel souvenirs from around the world.

‘The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road’ sale will take place from 21^st to 23^rd February in New York, and continue online on 27^th and 28^th February.

A free, immersive exhibition will be open to the public from 9^th to 21^st February at Christie’s,  20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

Click here for more information.

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Main image source: Christies