The 2025 Festival Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo promises an eclectic celebration of music, combining classical masterpieces with contemporary innovation and engaging performances at venues across Monaco. With diverse programming, unique collaborations and interactive experiences, next spring’s event will invite audiences of all ages to discover a wide array of artistic offerings.
Earlier this month, Monaco Life attended the unveiling of the 2025 Printemps des Arts programme at the Princess Grace Theatre, one of the many venues that will host the festival from 2nd March to 27th April next year.
Rooted in its founding mission set by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1970, the festival unites the disciplines of music, choreography and theatre. Today, under Princess Caroline of Hanover as President and Bruno Mantovani as Artistic Director, the event remains true to its eclectic spirit, showcasing a diverse range of works that span styles and eras. It also supports contemporary creation by commissioning new works and spotlighting lesser-known masterpieces.
In 2025, the festival will once again feature a collaboration with the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation. Among the events is a “musical wandering” at the foundation’s headquarters on 13th and 14th March, where violinist Aya Kono will perform Pierre Boulez’s Anthèmes and Luciano Berio’s Sequenza VIII. The partnership highlights the festival’s effort to connect visual art and music, acknowledging Francis Bacon’s lasting influence in Monaco.
The festival will open on 2nd March with a lyrical concert at the Auditorium Rainier III, featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 10 and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Philippe Jordan.
The programme continues with a rich lineup, including Stockhausen’s Stimmung, Boulez’s Dérive 2, and Hervé Sellin’s jazz reinterpretations of Debussy and Ravel. Highlights include the Quatuor Akilone performing Viennese works and the return of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, featuring Stravinsky and Debussy under Pascal Rophé’s baton.
Interactive experiences remain a key feature. Audiences can attend ‘Before’ and ‘After’ sessions to engage with artists and musicologists or take immersive backstage tours, such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s public rehearsal on 22nd March.
Educational outreach is also prioritised, with masterclasses led by artists like Eric Lebrun and family-friendly programming such as Le Voyage de Noah, a musical story for children, on 5th April.
In addition to concerts, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo will perform at the Grimaldi Forum between 23rd and 27th April, featuring Alexei Ratmansky’s Wartime Elegy, Marco Goecke’s La Nuit Transfigurée, and works by Hindemith and Silvestrov.
The festival will conclude on 27th April with Valentin Silvestrov’s Four Postludes at the Grimaldi Forum, a reflective finale encapsulating the Printemps des Arts’ commitment to bridging classical heritage with contemporary expression.
Tickets range from €20 to €40, with subscription packages available. To view the full programme, click here.
Two serious car accidents over the weekend in Monaco have left five people injured and reignited concerns over reckless driving, particularly involving alcohol. The crashes, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday in the Canton and Louis-II tunnels, have prompted swift government action, including a press conference on Monday where Minister of State Didier Guillaume announced a raft of new measures to tackle the issue.
The first incident occurred on the access ramp to the Canton tunnel at around 3.30am on Saturday 14th December. According to the authorities, a single vehicle carrying three occupants caught fire moments after crashing. The two passengers, both foreign nationals, were taken to the Princess Grace Hospital with injuries resulting in seven and 15 days of work incapacity, respectively. The driver, who escaped uninjured, was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content level of 1.29 milligrams – five times the legal limit. He was arrested and taken into custody pending a court appearance.
The second accident occurred just before 2.30am on Sunday in the Louis-II tunnel. A car failed to follow a curve, veering into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with another vehicle. Quick intervention by police officers prevented the fire from spreading, although the driver of the hit vehicle sustained injuries and was hospitalised. His passenger was unharmed. The driver and passenger of the offending vehicle were also injured and were taken to the Pasteur Hospital in Nice.
Three police officers who attended the scene, as well as a hotel concierge who had inhaled smoke, were treated for minor injuries. Investigations into the cause of the second accident are ongoing.
A deadly history of drink driving in Monaco
The weekend’s accidents are hauntingly reminiscent of prior tragedies on Monaco’s roads. In April 2023, three men died when their car, traveling at over 150km/h, crashed and burst into flames in the Louis-II tunnel. All three victims had been drinking, and toxicology reports confirmed drug use by the driver.
In another December 2023 incident, two young women died and three others were injured when a car driven by a drunk student crashed near the Millenium tunnel.
“Enough is enough”: government announces new measures
Speaking at a press conference on Monday 16th December, Minister of State Didier Guillaume expressed frustration at the recurring problem of reckless and drunk driving.
“We are angry. That’s enough. Stop. It can’t go on like this,” he said, surrounded by senior officials, including Director of Judicial Services Samuel Vuelta Simon. “After a horrible year in 2023 with major accidents and many deaths, we find ourselves, this past weekend, a week before Christmas and before New Year’s Eve, with two serious accidents that could have been much more serious.”
The Minister vowed that Monaco would no longer tolerate such behavior, declaring, “Monaco will not be a playground for drunk drivers in search of a thrill, to impress girls in their car. It is just not possible.”
Road safety reforms on the horizon
Guillaume announced several immediate and long-term measures to combat dangerous driving. In January, the government will pass legislation allowing for random alcohol and speed checks, which are currently limited under existing law. Increased police controls will begin immediately, and radars are set to be installed in all tunnels in Monaco to monitor speeding.
Interior Minister Lionel Beffre echoed Guillaume’s concerns and called for harsher penalties for offenders.
“The legislation we have today is too restrictive to be effective in the fight against car accidents,” Beffre said.
He proposed increasing fines for excessive speed and alcohol levels, noting that current penalties – as low as €37.50 – are not sufficiently dissuasive.
Beffre also suggested introducing criminal charges for endangering lives, citing the weekend’s crashes as examples of how reckless drivers jeopardised passengers and others on the road.
When asked why the measures announced in February 2024 following previous tragic road fatalities had not yet been implemented, the Minister of State explained that the legislative process “takes time”, adding, “Even if the laws had been in place, it wouldn’t have changed anything in these two accidents.”
The government is also planning to engage with local stakeholders, including bar owners, taxi unions and transport operators, to address the issue collaboratively.
“It’s not about pointing the finger. Our goal is to raise awareness so that people can help us—help us with prevention, with spreading the message, and with distributing information,” Guillaume said.
A communication campaign will be rolled out this week, designed to “shock” and raise awareness about the dangers of drink driving.
Camille Gottlieb, the founder of the BeSafe initiative, was also present at the press conference. She highlighted the programme’s success in raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and transportation services over the past seven years, but acknowledged that more needs to be done to protect lives.
Amidst criticsm that there is a shortage of taxis in Monaco, particularly during peak periods, the government acknowledged that there was a lack of vehicles. Guillaume said that talks were being held with the taxi company this week to potentially double the number available by utilising electric vehicles.
A call for change
As the Principality prepares for the festive season, the government’s message is clear: the days of dangerous driving in Monaco must come to an end. With new laws, stricter enforcement and community collaboration, officials hope to prevent further tragedies on the roads.
“Monaco will not be a playground for drunk drivers,” Guillaume reiterated. “We are determined to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Step into the vibrant world of Fernando Martinez Garcia at Los Colores de las Ideas, hosted by Monaco’s Kamil Art Gallery, where he reveals his unique blend of abstract, figurative and multidisciplinary artistry.
On 12th December, Monaco Life attended the opening of Los Colores de las Ideas (The Colours of Ideas), the latest exhibition by Fernando Martinez Garcia. Featuring over 40 works, the exhibition at Kamil Art Gallery showcases the Spanish artist’s multidisciplinary approach and provides insight into the evolution of his distinctive style, developed over decades of introspection and technical exploration.
“I discovered this artist over 35 years ago, and he has since become a significant figure for the gallery, exhibiting here on numerous occasions,” Kamil, the founder of the gallery on Avenue Princesse Grace, told Monaco Life.
Born in Ferrol, Spain in 1949, Martinez Garcia pursued both technical and artistic studies, obtaining a degree in Technical Engineering in Topography in 1974. This led to his role at the National Geographic Institute before he shifted his focus entirely to the arts. Moving to Barcelona in 1979, he began specialising in abstract painting, earned a Fine Arts degree in 1985, and received a grant from the Catalonian government to create a collection of sculptural pieces.
The 1990s marked a turning point for the artist as he developed a personal style, blending figurative drawing with large surfaces of colour. His 1990 exhibition at the Santa Monica Center of Art in Barcelona was a key moment, solidifying his conceptual approach and marking his place within the broader movement of New Painting.
Martinez Garcia’s work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions, earning him recognition as a talented multidisciplinary artist. His paintings are known for their interplay of drawing, sculpture and abstract forms, offering viewers a layered and complex visual experience.
This latest exhibition delves into his signature themes that meld abstract and figurative elements with an exploration of philosophical ideas. It offers viewers a thoughtful and introspective experience, reflecting the enduring nature of his artistic vision.
“I like to provoke,” Martinez Garcia told Monaco Life. “To make people think, question, and engage with what they see, as there are subtle messages behind every artwork.”
He added, “Each painting is unique. I don’t like to repeat themes. That’s why some feature women, others depict food, and some include elements of the countryside.”
Beyond painting, Martinez Garcia’s creative output spans literature and music. He has authored 26 novels and short stories through FMG Arte Ediciones and composed over 400 songs with FMG Music.
Los Colores de las Ideas will run until 12th February.
To see more photographs of the exhibition, click on the images below:
Almost 2,000 participants took part in the U Giru de Natale charity run over the weekend, including eight brave competitors from the Monaco Liver Disorder team who have each faced serious health challenges and emerged with inspiring determination.
The 29th edition of U Giru de Natale on 15th December saw 1,900 runners take to the streets of Monaco, a record-breaking turnout for the event, according to Bastien Isaia, the race director and president of the Public Security Sports Association, which organised the event.
Among the participants was a team representing Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD), with eight remarkable competitors, each of whom has faced significant health challenges and rigorous treatments with resilience and determination, supported in their efforts by members of the Monaco Fire Brigade and the Carabinieri du Prince de Monaco.
10-year-old Samy Bouberrima, a bone marrow transplant recipient, and nine-year-old Cassiel Segura, riding a specially adapted joëlette wheelchair, stole hearts in the Course Éveil Athlétique et Poussins category for children born between 2014 and 2018. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ryan Coudret and 13-year-old Anna Jolibois, both cancer survivors in remission from Fréjus, showcased their remarkable strength in the Course Benjamins et Minimes for children born between 2010 and 2013. Anna’s mother, Sandrine Bogaer, alongside her brother Martin, joined them on the track, offering encouragement and solidarity.
In the 10km race for older competitors, four adult participants carried the MLD banner. Emmanuel Gastaud, a 44-year-old kidney transplant recipient from Cagnes-sur-Mer, was joined by three liver transplant recipients from across France: Adeline Billal, Véronique Dupras and Lionel Maurice. Their participation highlighted the transformative power of organ donation and their unsurpassed courage.
Carla Shechter, Executive President of MLD, reflected on the event’s significance, saying, “The U Giru de Natale event has become an unmissable occasion not only for running enthusiasts but also for those who wish to combine sport with social commitment in favour of sick children and organ donation.”
The race’s overall winners were equally impressive. Young Niçois Tom Maubert claimed the top spot in the men’s 10km race, crossing the finish line in a swift 31 minutes and 19 seconds. Meanwhile, Italian runner Camille Magliano took first place in the women’s race, completing the course in 36 minutes and 32 seconds.
In an interview with Dr. Sandrine Louchart de la Chapelle, Head of the Clinical Gerontology Department and Memory Centre at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG), Monaco Life learns about the groundbreaking work being done at the hospital in the name of improving patient care for Alzheimer’s sufferers, as well as the vital role of the Monegasque Association for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease (AMPA) in advancing research and uncovering new ways of treating—and understanding—the disease.
On 5th December, the AMPA, a local association dedicated to combating the negative effects of Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative condition that deeply impacts patients and their families, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a gala event at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco.
“Since its creation, AMPA has focused on three essential pillars: supporting research, raising awareness among all of us and providing assistance to the families of patients,” says Catherine Pastor, the president of the AMPA. “These efforts are even more crucial as, in the context of an ageing population, Alzheimer’s disease has become a major public health issue.”
Indeed, Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, resulting in a gradual loss of autonomy and significantly diminishing the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. In France, approximately 225,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, predominantly among the elderly. More than 900,000 individuals in L’Hexagone are living with the disease—around 8% of those over the age of 65. It is a similar story in Monaco. In both nations, these numbers are expected to rise further in the coming years, underlining the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address this growing challenge.
Pioneering geriatric care
In Monaco, the CHPG’s Rainier III Clinical Gerontology Centre plays a pivotal role in providing specialised care for the elderly, including those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Inaugurated in February 2013, the geriatric care centre spans 22,400 square metres over 10 levels and offers 210 individual rooms. Its services encompass long-term care units, a cognitive-behavioural unit for patients with orientation and behavioural challenges, and a Memory Centre for assessing and monitoring cognitive disorders.
The centre also houses a Clinical Research Unit focused on age-related pathologies, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. Supported by AMPA and a number of generous private donors, the unit conducts studies aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, prevention and management of cognitive and behavioural disorders, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
A holistic approach
Leading these efforts is Dr. Sandrine Louchart de la Chapelle, a physician specialising in psychiatry and geriatrics and a member of AMPA. As the Head of the Clinical Gerontology Department and the Memory Centre at the CHPG, she oversees the Clinical Research Unit’s initiatives on neurodegenerative diseases and their management. Her work also delves into social cognition, video oculography and sports-related concussions.
Speaking to Monaco Life during an exclusive interview, Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle highlighted the importance of a holistic and personalised approach to Alzheimer’s care, and explained how her career at the CHPG, which began in the Psychiatry Department, has seen her gradually find her niche in neurology and later degenerative neurology and geriatrics.
Dr. Sandrine Louchart de la Chapelle, Head of the Clinical Gerontology Department and Memory Centre at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. Photo source: CHPG
“I worked with Alzheimer’s patients even during my time in the psychiatry unit, before the Centre Rainier III was established,” she explained. “It’s now been 15 years since I’ve specialised in this area of degenerative pathologies. It has been an incredible journey, and we are fortunate here at the CHPG to have the resources and expertise to provide comprehensive and satisfactory care for our patients.”
The primary goal of the CHPG’s Memory Centre is to deliver accurate cognitive diagnoses. Following diagnosis, the focus shifts to continuous monitoring of the condition and providing psychological support for both patients and their families. Rehabilitation is also a central aspect of the centre’s approach, aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected.
“This type of illness impacts everyone—not just the patient, but their family as well,” she continued.
The centre seeks to provide families with resources to help them understand Alzheimer’s and cope with its challenges.
“It’s a frightening condition,” added Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle, emphasising that accepting the diagnosis and learning about the disease are crucial steps in managing it down the line.
To support families, the team at the Centre Rainier III, in collaboration with AMPA, has developed a personalised psycho-education programme that helps families feel more informed and supported as they face the realities of Alzheimer’s together.
Maintaining optimism is essential in coping with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and this is where AMPA provides invaluable support.
“AMPA has organised countless events—concerts, art exhibitions, musical performances and photography showcases—all designed to uplift patients and keep their spirits high,” said Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle. “These initiatives offer patients moments of joy and connection, helping them face the challenges of the disease with positivity.”
Prince Albert II with Catherine Pastor, the president of the AMPA, at the recent gala. Photo supplied
Addressing challenges
Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle went on to explain that one of the biggest challenges in Alzheimer’s care is the large number of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases. She believes that precise diagnosis is essential to addressing this issue.
At the Centre Rainier III, the diagnostic process goes beyond standard MRI scans, and involves the expertise of neurology specialists and advanced imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The centre also conducts biomarker research, which examines measurable indicators in blood or tissues to identify changes associated with Alzheimer’s. These approaches work together to improve the accuracy of diagnoses.
One innovative approach involves electro-oculography, a technique her team has specialised in for several years. This advanced method allows for quick and accurate diagnoses, further enhancing their ability to manage and slow the progression of the disease.
Another significant challenge is the lack of emphasis on prevention, which Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle believes is often overlooked.
“Cardiac prevention, in particular, is something I always remind my patients about,” she shared. “After a certain age, it’s crucial to consult a cardiologist to support preventive efforts.”
While prevention may not completely stop Alzheimer’s from developing, it can delay its onset.
“It’s important to understand that prevention won’t entirely prevent the condition, but it can help ensure it doesn’t develop too early,” she added.
Her team has also made progress in addressing modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s, offers personal evaluations to identify risks and encourages patients to make healthier lifestyle choices.
New frontiers
Regarding recent therapeutic developments, Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle noted the team’s focus on monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid-beta proteins, such as lecanemab and donanemab. These treatments do not cure Alzheimer’s, but have been shown to reduce symptom severity and slow disease progression, particularly in the early stages.
“Unfortunately, these medications can only be offered to patients in the beginning stages; later-stage patients won’t benefit and may experience counterproductive effects,” Dr. Louchart de la Chapelle explained.
In Europe, lecanemab, known as Leqembi, was recommended for approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in November 2024 for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s. Similarly, another treatment, donanemab, is still under review, with a decision expected soon.
Monaco’s commitment to addressing Alzheimer’s disease is further exemplified by the reopening of the Speranza-Albert II Centre in May 2023. This facility offers therapeutic day care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders, aiming to prevent social isolation, maintain functional and cognitive abilities, and provide respite for family caregivers. Access to the centre is entirely free for residents, reflecting the Prince’s Government’s dedication to enhancing social support.
Despite setbacks for women in power in 2024, Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women highlights an extraordinary group of leaders and internationally recognised figures who wield an impressive €31.4 trillion in economic influence and impact billions of lives worldwide.
It may still be a man’s world, but women are increasingly carving out their space, commanding respect, attention and followers across the globe. This is exemplified by Forbes’ 2024 list, where each woman is a force to be reckoned with.
Consider Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic rise to power, marking a turning point in her nation’s history. Sworn in as Mexico’s first female president in October and ranking fourth on Forbes’ list, behind President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in first, President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde in second and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in third, Sheinbaum’s inauguration was met with jubilant chants of “Presidenta!” echoing through the legislature. At 62, Sheinbaum now leads the world’s 12th-largest economy.
“Many of us were told a version of history since we were children, which wanted us to believe that the course of humanity was led only by men. But little by little, this vision has been reversed,” Sheinbaum declared at her inauguration. “It is time for women.”
Other influential women include 75th-placed Malina Ngai, who has become Group CEO of AS Watson, the world’s largest health and beauty retailer, and Melinda Gates, who climbed to 8th after committing nearly €1 billion to projects that seek to empower women globally. Caitlin Clark, celebrated for transforming women’s sports, makes her debut on the list in 2024 at No. 100.
The world of entertainment is well-represented by US names, including singer-songwriter Taylor Swift (No. 23), Oprah Winfrey (No. 33), and Beyoncé Knowles (No. 35). The US’ Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, was the highest-ranking figure from the technology sector, while compatriot Abigail Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Fidelity Investments, topped the list for finance.
While there is reason to celebrate these leaders, the global outlook for female leadership remains fragile, and women’s representation in high-powered roles is increasingly precarious. Kamala Harris, once ranked 3rd, has fallen off the list following her unsuccessful US presidential bid, while prominent leaders such as Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen and Slovakia’s Zuzana Čaputová also exited leadership roles this year and no longer rank among the World’s Most Powerful Women, according to Forbes.
A G7-wide survey from the Reykjavík Index further highlights declining confidence in female leadership across politics and business.
“The support of female leadership is not going to happen just because we presumed history would make the world more equal,” notes Michelle Harrison, the Index’s founder. “Women are experiencing a series of regressive forces that make their ability to achieve and retain power harder, not easier.”
Forbes evaluated its candidates using four key metrics: financial power, media presence, social impact and spheres of influence. The resulting list features women who are formidable forces across politics, business, technology and beyond.
