This year, the USA is turning 248years old, and the American Club of the Riviera is celebrating with a luncheon featuring an American-style barbecue and festive activities.
The American Club of the Riviera, presided over by Timothy Molyneux, will host its 4th of July Independence Day Luncheon Celebration from 12pm to 4pm at Le Lagon in Mandelieu. The event is designed to commemorate the 248th birthday of the United States with a range of traditional American festivities.
The luncheon will feature an ‘All American’ style barbecue, including spareribs, chicken, steak strips, hamburgers, and hot dogs, all served with the imported ‘Sweet Baby Ray’s’ gourmet barbecue sauce. Desserts include a USA birthday cake and customisable ice cream sundaes with assorted toppings.
The event will also include a welcome Champagne Punch reception, a Star-Spangled Banner birthday cake, a red, white, and blue costume contest, patriotic songs, music and games.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in summer casual attire and to participate in the costume contest by wearing red, white, and blue. The price is €75 for members and €85 for guests.
The American Club of the Riviera was established in 1962 and has since become a prominent association on the Côte d’Azur. It embodies Franco-American friendship and has hosted figures such as Princess Grace of Monaco and several American ambassadors over the years.
Simon Trpčeski shares with Monaco Life’s Celina Lafuente de Lavotha his remarkable journey from a modest upbringing in Macedonia to achieving global acclaim as a classical pianist, and his current role as Artist in Residence with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Simon Trpčeski, born in Skopje, Macedonia, in 1979, is a highly talented classical pianist. For this, the 2023-2024 season, he holds the esteemed position of Artist in Residence with both the Orchestra Philharmonic of Monte-Carlo and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He is widely acclaimed for his exceptional virtuosity, profound expressiveness, and compelling stage presence.
The youngest of three children, Simon’s parents came from modest families in West and East Macedonia villages. They were all passionate about music, even though they were not able to study it academically. Simon says that his talented mother could have had a successful singing career. His father played a four-string instrument called the Tambura, comparable to a cithara.
Simon received his music diploma in 2002 from the University of Saints-Cyrille-et-Methode of Skopje. Even before graduating, he had already won prizes in international competitions. He has collaborated with world-famous conductors at Philharmonic Orchestras in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Toronto. Additionally, he has given recitals in the USA, Europe, and Asia and has played with English orchestras in London, Bournemouth, Stockholm, Bergen, and Helsinki.
Monaco Life’s Features Journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha spoke with Simon Trpčeski about his background, his journey to becoming a classical pianist, and the significant moments in his ascending career such as receiving the Diapason d’Or award.
S.Trpceski with Conductor D.Matvienko at OPMC concert. Photo credit: JL Neveu
Monaco Life: What are the stand-out memories of your childhood?
Simon Trpčeski: My childhood holds some of my most cherished memories. It played a crucial role in shaping my personality and was filled with warmth, music, and happiness during gatherings with friends and family. People knew how to find joy in the little things in life. However, my humble family upbringing kept me rooted and connected to my heritage, setting the foundation for a purposeful life, and helping me become a good and compassionate human being. Pavarotti once said, “We had so little, but no one had more than us.
I remember pretending to play the accordion using an ashtray while watching folk music shows on TV. My father noticed and bought me a small accordion as a gift. I started creating melodies with my right hand and later began taking lessons. Initially, music school didn’t teach me how to play the accordion, so the piano became the most similar instrument to me. That marked the beginning of my journey as a pianist.
What are your interests outside of music?
I enjoy simple pleasures such as spending time with my family, reading to my kids, taking nature walks, swimming in the sea, watching football (both on TV and in person), watching movies (especially comedies and animated ones), visiting museums and theatres, and experiencing new places and cultures. These activities nourish the soul.
I’ve also had success composing pop songs and children’s songs. My daughter, Lara, even represented Macedonia at the Junior Eurovision with a beloved song. I have a great love for life, and simplicity is genuinely remarkable.
Who inspired you to pursue a professional career as a pianist?
I loved music and the piano, but did not actually think about making it a professional career. The Romanov couple, teachers from Moscow, moved to Macedonia at the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in 1991, and I started to take more serious steps in my early education. Boris Romanov studied briefly with Konstantin Igumnov, who premiered the Rachmaninov Sonata. Later, he studied with Yakov Milstein, Richter’s close friend. I am proud to say that I was educated in the spirit of the good old Russian school that is rare nowadays. They both came from a disciplined educational mentality, which was uncommon for the Balkans but certainly produced excellent results.
Coming from a modest country, neither powerful, nor politically well positioned, nor important classical music-wise, with still ongoing transition due to world politics, the only way for me to develop and see the realities of my level within the general level was through competitions. I had yet to have other chances or connections.
Simon Trpceski, photo credit: B. Ealovega – KulturOp
So, after the London International Competition prize, I started working with management, which opened the path. I am indeed grateful to my family for their unconditional support even under a difficult financial situation, to my teachers for the right direction in the performance, and to those rare unique people for their support at the start of my development, when very few could recognise natural talent.
Concert pianists have an air of intrigue, as they are usually alone on the stage with their piano as their only company. Do you think pianists are more detached than other classical musicians?
In a way, yes, but it depends on how one looks at it. The piano is the most orchestral instrument in one piece. Therefore, it provides an immense opportunity to enjoy various sounds, volumes, and textures, which could be interpreted as an allusion to being detached and becoming a whole ensemble by yourself. It may sound funny or selfish, but it is true.
I do enjoy playing music with an orchestra because it’s a magical way to connect with people. However, I don’t mind playing solo recitals because it’s when you feel like the king of the stage and the whole world is yours. I had this exact feeling during my recital in Monaco, and I was thrilled that the enthusiastic audience there received it so well.
Which performances and recordings are you most proud of?
It is a challenging question. I have the same attitude toward every performance or recording: high professionalism, dedication, and love. There are certainly some moments that proved to be fragile due to cultural or personality differences or personal situations, so I could say that my graduation performance of the Tchaikovsky Concerto, the German debut in Berlin with Ravel concerto, the recording of the Rachmaninov and Debussy recitals, as well as the Variations (Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms) recital album, Rachmaninov 3 with the New York Philharmonic, Rach 4 in Paris, Brahms concertos with WDR Symphony, are among them. I am sure there are a few more, but all of them remain a constant and inevitable inspiration and motivation.
Each concert has a special meaning to me, so all of them are impressed in my memory. Having performed in Europe, the US, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Argentina, judging one more memorable than the other would be unfair.
I love variety in life. Therefore, I do approach diverse repertoire. I am proud to hear French nationals being highly satisfied when I interpret French composers, the same as Germans, Russians, Americans, Norwegians, or Polish when I interpret theirs. There cannot be a better compliment than getting positive feedback from fellow citizens. I am a romantic; you can find romanticism from Bach onwards and before him. Lucky me! (smiles)
S.Trpceski with OPMC conducted by Matvienko, photo credit: Emma Dantec OPMC
Tell us about your experience as Artist in Residence with the OPMC…
I am honoured that the OPMC chose me as its Artist in Residence. The opportunity to share a diverse repertoire with the orchestra and the audience gives me lots of pleasure, especially in the beautiful reception of the appreciative public.
The welcome from the orchestra and the public at my first concert this season was fantastic. I enjoy playing with different sounds, colours, and intensities of emotions, which is what I felt when playing with the OPMC. They are open to collaborating and sharing the moment on stage.
I look forward to my last concert this season interpreting such a colourful, authentic, and monumental concerto such as Brahms no.2, and the highly anticipated reunion with Maestro Yamada after a few years, at such a mythical place like the Prince’s Palace Honour Court, a first time for me.
I was especially delighted about the public’s reception of my world music project, Makedonissimo (very Macedonian), which we presented for the Orthodox New Year. It involves a quintet, a chamber view of Macedonian folk music that includes a piano, a violin, a cello, a clarinet, a saxophone, a kaval, and a whole set of percussions.
Do you have a favourite concert venue?
I am an easily adaptable person. I do love concert halls everywhere, but I also love churches, and I enjoy playing in outdoor venues. Recently, I had a chance to play in the rural surroundings of my father’s village in the middle of the mountains, or as the people would say – in the middle of nowhere- for the pre-premiere of Makedonissimo in Macedonia, and that was quite a memorable experience, kind of like Woodstock. If we are positive and look on the bright side, there can be opportunities everywhere to create and share the magic with the audience.
What did it mean for you to receive the Diapason d’Or award for the recording ofRachmaninov in 2010?
It was exhilarating! You know, there were also wonderful reviews such as a reference recording in Germany, or Best Beethoven solo performance at the BBC Music Magazine, Adagio, and a couple of more music magazines for the Variations album where I recorded Beethoven and Mozart for the first time, or wonderful reviews for the Makedonissimo project, and so on. It is a welcome proof of an artist’s work and dedication. So, a prestigious award such as Diapason d’Or, which comes from the sophisticated taste of the French music critic, without any other pressure than the music itself, means the world to me! I am deeply grateful for that, motivating me to progress further. Sometimes, recordings do not reach magazines. I would be happy to hear more about the Debussy Album I recorded for EMI Classics a long time ago, for example. I would learn a lot from it.
Over the summer, the Mairie de Monaco will be holding a series of free scuba diving sessions for keen underwater explorers aged eight and up.
The three scuba diving experiences will be held at the Principality’s open-air Stade Nautique Rainier III in Port Hercule on 10th July, 19th August and 4th September.
Instruction for the 10-minute dives will be given by professionals tied to the Club d’Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco between the hours of 9.30am and 5pm.
The sessions are totally free and are open to all members of the public, regardless of experience, but participants must be aged eight or over.
No advance reservations are required, you simply need to turn up to give it a go!
From elections to shrinkflation and the introduction of a new savings plan for young people, the French government has released a rather significant list of changes starting 1st July. Here’s what you need to know.
At the beginning of each month, the French government puts out a rundown of all the new rules, regulations and allowances coming into effect. The month of July is notably busy, with changes touching on everything from energy to elections, including new savings plans, consumer protections against shrinkflation, temporary employment for health care workers, and rural revitalisation.
Arguably the biggest news may be the upcoming French elections, which will take place on 30th June and 7th July. This controversial snap election will determine the composition of the 577-member French National Assembly, ultimately influencing which parties will shape the country’s future.
Energy also gets a look in, with the simplification of the energy performance diagnostic system (DPE). This is the method used to determine the energy efficiency of a property with classifications ranging from the best- A- to the worst- G. Up until now, dwellings under 40m2 were unfairly disadvantaged by the thresholds, a problem that has now been rectified.
Also under energy is the announcement of an increase in the natural gas distribution rate after four years remaining basically the same. The new price, which represents about one-fourth of users’ final bills, has been set by the Energy Regulatory Commission to cover network maintenance costs.
A new savings plan for under-21s comes into effect on 1st July, as well. This targeted new tool, called the Future Climate Savings Plan (PEAC), allows young people to invest in eco-friendly businesses and industries, paving the way for the green transition and offers an alternative to traditional schemes.
Also new in July, consumers will now be informed when a company’s products are affected by reduflation, more commonly referred to as shrinkflation. This now-common practice involves reducing the quantity of a product sold without lowering the price accordingly. Information must now be “indicated in the immediate vicinity of the products” in large and medium sized stores.
Newly qualified health care workers will now have a minimum two year temporary employment period as a resident before taking on full responsibilities. The objective is to better support young professionals during this crucial stage at the start of their career, and affects nurses, caregivers, specialised educators, social service advisors, instructors, and educational and social companions from social and medico-social establishments and services.
Finally, the government wants to make the countryside more attractive through the France Ruralités Revitalisation programme, which is aimed at the reformation of rural revitalisation zones in the country.
Flavio Briatore’s Twiga restaurant chain has proudly unveiled its newest locale in the Italian seaside village of Mortola Inferiore. Twiga Baia Beniamin, situated close to the Giardini Hanbury and around five kilometers from Ventimiglia, blends the quintessential charm of the area with the signature glamour exuded by its Monaco ancestor.
Situated in Mortola Inferiore, just over the border in Italy, Twiga Baia Beniamin is the latest incarnation of the Twiga franchise owned by Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.
With other locations in Monaco, Forte dei Marmi, London and Doha, the Twiga hospitality brand stands for excellence, offering a “home away from home for a sophisticated, cosmopolitan clientele” looking for high quality food and service.
The Baia Beniamin, which will officially open on 28th June, aspires to carry on this tradition with a beautifully simple and fresh menu inspired by the Mediterranean and its setting on the coast in the Italian Riviera.
Starters include favourites like a Niçoise salad and fried calamari alongside other delights like Luciana-style baby octopus. A raw bar, featuring Tarbouriech oysters, sea bass tartare and salmon tiradito, a Peruvian take on sushi, adds to the taste sensations.
The mains selection doesn’t disappoint either. Hearty lobster and seafood paella sits alongside a range of light grilled choices, such as Alaskan king crab, langoustine, lobster and sea bass. Meat eaters will enjoy the Wagyu entrecôte or the generous burgers.
Desserts are tempting too, with tiramisù on the menu, of course, as well as pistachio ice cream and fresh fruit.
The décor is exactly what one hopes for in a beachside eatery, with white linen tablecloths and comfy director’s chairs under cooling canopies, all overlooking the sea. A live DJ adds to the beach vibe.
Twiga Baia Beniamin will be open daily from 12pm to 7pm. To make the new destination more accessible from the Principality, an exclusive boat transfer service will be on offer. It will be departing every 20 minutes from the Yacht Club de Monaco. The journey takes a short 15 minutes.
For more information about this new address, click here.
Innovative investment strategies took centre stage at this year’s Sohn Monaco Investment Conference, where top European financial industry leaders shared their insights into funding paediatric cancer research.
The Sohn Monaco Investment Conference took place on Wednesday 26th June, at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM). It hosted prominent figures from the hedge fund and asset management sectors who shared their investment strategies and ideas to generate funding for paediatric cancer research.
Since its 1995 founding in memory of Ira Sohn, the Sohn Conference Foundation has raised over $95 million for cancer research through investment conferences in 11 cities worldwide, including its flagship event in New York.
“It’s always about the question of return on an investment”
This year’s Monaco conference featured a lineup of influential speakers who introduced their investment strategies and ideas, ranging from environmental consulting to single-board computers.
Fabio Pecce, Chief Investment Officer at Ambienta, shared insights from his career managing liquid strategies and equity investments. He also introduced Tetra Tech, an environmental consulting player. “This company is like the McKinsey of the environmental world, making it a stable and promising investment,” said Pecce.
One of the investment strategies proposed was also a convenience food provider. Lisa Ong, Portfolio Manager at Mudrick Capital, discussed her work in opportunistic credit, drawing from her extensive experience in public and private markets. The investment idea she presented is Selecta, a European self-service coffee and convenience food provider.
“It’s always about the question of return on an investment and looking at the position of Selecta in the market, the return here would be a noticeable one,” said Ong.
Another interesting speaker was Adrian Courtenay, Managing Director at Green Ash Partners. Courtenay introduced Raspberry Pi, which is a series of small, affordable, single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United Kingdom.
“This is a growth investment as it is an authentic, performance-proven product leader within the target domain,” said Courtenay. “In a great business opportunity, you should always aim to attract competition, and Raspberry Pi has been profitable for 12 years since its inception, attracting strong competition.”
Other notable speakers included Olivier Fortesa, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Amber Capital, who spoke on event-driven investing in Europe; Scott Ostfeld, Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager at Jana Partners, who discussed his approach to engaged shareholder strategies; Gert Steens, Head of Research at SSVL, who focused on his work in strategy consulting and investor relations; and others.
“Research is key to making progress”
Special guests at the conference included Julie Meunier, a cancer survivor and founder of Les Franjynes, which offers a collection of stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly fringes and turbans designed for people with alopecia.
“Research is the key to making progress; it leads to a future where cancer is no longer a devastating diagnosis,” said Julie Meunier. Meunier has donated €37,500 to cancer research since 2017 through Les Franjynes.
Another notable guest was Paula Radcliffe, the world record holder for the London 2015 marathon, who discussed her athletic achievements and advocacy work in public health.
“All of my goals always were centred around not having a limit and to find out what I could do, and that’s why I want to do everything I can to support the research of paediatric cancer,” shared Radcliffe, who went through a personal battle of cancer with her daughter who was diagnosed.
The Sohn conference, part of a global series organised by the Sohn Conference Foundation, is a key event for the financial industry.
