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Day: 30 December 2024

Monaco mourns the passing of Marie-Claude Beaud, a visionary of contemporary art

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/12/2024

Marie-Claude Beaud, a pivotal figure in the world of contemporary art and former director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM), has died at the age of 78. Her passing on 29th December has been met with profound sadness across the cultural community of Monaco and beyond.

In a joint statement, the Prince’s Government and the Department of Cultural Affairs described Beaud as a “personality essential to contemporary art” and expressed their “immense sadness” at her passing. Beaud served as director of the NMNM from 2009 to 2021, a tenure during which she redefined the museum’s role, expanded its reach, and modernized its exhibition spaces, notably with the opening of Villa Paloma in 2010.

A transformative career

Marie-Claude Beaud’s illustrious career in the arts spanned over five decades and multiple esteemed institutions, including the Musée de Grenoble, the Fondation Cartier, and the Mudam in Luxembourg. Her work was characterized by an innovative approach that merged disciplines and invited unprecedented dialogues between artists and audiences.

As director of the NMNM, Beaud introduced a bold vision that cemented the museum’s status as a contemporary cultural beacon in Monaco. Her final exhibition, Marginalia, in 2021, was dedicated to the art of comic books, a testament to her commitment to exploring new dimensions of creativity.

In a tribute, the NMNM team acknowledged her lasting influence: “Marie-Claude Beaud was a visionary who challenged the traditional museum experience and forever marked the institutions she led.”

Recognised by the Fondation Prince Pierre

The Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco also honoured Beaud’s significant contributions to the arts, particularly through her work as Vice-President of its Artistic Council. Since 2005, she played a key role in shaping the International Prize for Contemporary Art (PIAC), supporting both emerging talents and established artists.

The Fondation described her as “a strong, determined woman, generous in her actions, and loyal to her vision.” Despite her passing, Beaud’s legacy continues, as she had been actively involved in the selection process for the upcoming 2025 PIAC laureate.

Tributes pour in

Across Monaco and the international art world, tributes have poured in to honour Beaud’s extraordinary life and work. Described as a trailblazer, a mentor, and an inspiration, she is remembered for her dedication to making art accessible to all and her deep respect for the artists with whom she collaborated.

Marie-Claude Beaud’s legacy is firmly woven into the fabric of Monaco’s cultural history.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department

 

Forensic anthropologist Philippe Charlier to speak at Monaco’s Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique

by: Niki Borisova
30/12/2024

French forensic pathologist and paleopathologist Philippe Charlier will be coming to the Principality in early January to host an insightful conference on how forensic medicine can shed light on historical and archaeological mysteries at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco.

At 6pm on Tuesday 7th January, the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco will host a conference with the forensic pathologist and paleopathologist, Philippe Charlier. The event, which is being organised in collaboration with the Association Monégasque de Préhistoire, will focus on how forensic methods are used to “speak for the dead” through examinations of notable historical remains.

Charlier, a specialist in forensic anthropology, holds multiple doctorates in medicine, archaeological anthropology and bioethics. He currently heads the Laboratory of Anthropology/Archaeology/Biology (LAAB) at the University of Paris-Saclay.

The case studies set to be discussed include the australopithecus Lucy, the supposed relics of Joan of Arc, Richard the Lionheart’s remains, Napoleon’s latrines at Longwood, the head of Henri IV, the blood of Marat and Robespierre, and the jaw of Adolf Hitler. Other examples include the mask of Gustave Flaubert and hair samples of Pablo Picasso.

The conference will take place at 56 bis Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. Attendance is free, but reservations are mandatory due to limited seating. To reserve, call +377 98 98 80 06 or email map@gouv.mc.

Read related:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology hosts ‘The Butterfly Effect: The Prehistory of Animals’

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco, Facebook

 

Brighten January nights with dazzling concerts from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/12/2024

This January, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra invites audiences to escape the dreariness of post-holiday winter with three spellbinding concerts at the Auditorium Rainier III. Each evening offers an extraordinary lineup of world-class musicians and timeless masterpieces, promising to make this January absolutely unforgettable.

On 10th January at 8pm, the spotlight falls on the acclaimed pianist Leif Ove Andsnes. Known for his poetic touch and technical brilliance, Andsnes will transport the audience through a breathtaking programme. The evening opens with Edvard Grieg’s evocative Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 7, followed by Geirr Tveitt’s enigmatic Sonata No. 29, Op. 129 – Sonata Etere. The recital concludes with Frédéric Chopin’s beloved 24 Preludes, Op. 28, a cycle of miniature masterpieces blending passion and introspection.

Two days later, on 12th January at 6pm, the orchestra, under the baton of Bertrand de Billy, delivers an evening of grand symphonic scale. The renowned Trio Zeliha, featuring violinist Manon Galy, cellist Maxime Quennesson, and pianist Jorge Gonzalez Buajasan, take centre stage for Ludwig van Beethoven’s Triple Concerto in C Major, Op. 56, a masterwork of interplay and exuberance. The night ascends to new heights with Anton Bruckner’s majestic Symphony No. 7 in E Major (A. 109), a piece imbued with soaring melodies and powerful emotion.

The final concert on 17th January at 8pm promises a captivating journey through diverse musical worlds. Conducted by Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, the evening begins with pianist Georgijs Osokins Mieczysław playing Weinberg’s playful Suite No. 4, Op. 55d, drawn from The Golden Key. He then will enchant with Frédéric Chopin’s lyrical and heartfelt Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21. The concert concludes with Antonín Dvořák’s iconic Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 – From the New World, a thrilling work that captures the spirit of exploration and cultural exchange.

Tickets for these magical evenings range from €18 to €36. For more information or to book seats, click here.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo of Trio Zeliha, courtesy OPMC

 

New Year’s Eve in Monaco: Christmas Village extends hours and midnight fireworks planned

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/12/2024

The Mairie de Monaco is organising a series of events to mark New Year’s Eve on 31st December, including extended hours at the Christmas Village and Village des Sports, live music, and a midnight fireworks display over the Port of Monaco.

The Christmas Village will remain open until 2am for the occasion. The day will feature roving performances, children’s creative workshops, and street entertainment. From 9pm, live music performed by two DJs will take centre stage, creating a lively atmosphere. To accommodate larger crowds, an additional stage will be set up on the north side of the Quai, near Ubaldi, allowing for up to 2,000 more attendees.

The Village des Sports, located on the Darse Sud of Port de Monaco, will also extend its opening hours to 2am. Visitors can enjoy activities such as climbing, a ninja circuit, and a zipline, with the unique experience of night-time conditions adding to the thrill.

Parc Princesse Antoinette will be open until 5:30pm on New Year’s Eve, offering a quieter setting for families to enjoy its illuminated pathways in a serene environment.

The evening will conclude with a fireworks display over the Port of Monaco at midnight, marking the arrival of 2025. The Mairie de Monaco has described the events as an opportunity to close the year on a celebratory note and welcome the new year with optimism.

See also:

Welcome 2025 in style: the ultimate guide to NYE celebrations in Monaco

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo by Monaco Life

Monaco hosts pivotal conference on corporate law reform

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/12/2024

Monaco has brought together 200 legal and business professionals at One Monte-Carlo for a conference focused on corporate law. Organised by the Institut Monégasque de Formation aux Professions Judiciaires (IMFPJ), the event delved into the evolution of corporate law in the Principality and its broader implications.

Samuel Vuelta Simon, Monaco’s Director of Judicial Services, opened the event on 13th December  by underscoring the importance of the topic, particularly in the fight against financial crimes such as money laundering. He highlighted that the misuse of trusts and shell companies often plays a role in obscuring the origins of illicit funds. The conference also aligned with ongoing legal reforms in Monaco, including Bill No. 1.094 on modernising corporate law, and France’s “RÉPONDS” initiative led by the University of Paris Panthéon-Assas.

The conference featured a series of expert-led roundtable discussions, offering a comprehensive perspective on corporate law. Entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, lawyers, magistrates, legal advisors, accountants, and academics participated to explore theoretical frameworks, practical challenges, and innovative solutions.

The day began with a session led by Yves Strickler, IMFPJ’s Scientific Director. Stéphane Valeri, President-Delegate of Société des Bains de Mer, and Philippe Ortelli, President of the Federation of Monegasque Enterprises, provided insights into the theoretical and practical aspects of corporate structures.

Subsequent discussions addressed company formation processes in Monaco and the selection of corporate forms, with Pierre-André Chiappori, Minister of Finance and Economy, and Robert Boisbouvier, President of the Chamber of Legal Advisors, presiding.

In the afternoon, Bernard Bensa, President of the Monaco Bar Association, chaired a session on company operations, focusing on conflict prevention and the civil and criminal liability of shareholders. François-Xavier Lucas, Professor at the Sorbonne Law School, examined solutions for companies in financial distress under Monaco’s legal framework. Stéphane Garino, President of Monaco’s Order of Accountants, offered the accountants’ perspective on corporate law.

The day concluded with a forward-looking discussion on Monaco’s legal reforms and France’s “RÉPONDS” project. Julia Heinich, a corporate law expert from the University of Burgundy, shared insights into the ongoing initiatives shaping the future of corporate legislation.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo by Monaco Life

 

French pensions to rise by over 2% in 2025 after social security bill fails to pass

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/12/2024

Starting 1st January, retirees in France will see a 2.2% boost to their monthly pensions. With the 2025 Social Security financing bill unapproved, the government defaults to the “classic pension enhancement rule”, resulting in a single increase instead of the two smaller hikes outlined in the rejected budget.

France’s contentious 2025 Social Security financing bill is one that will long be remembered as the one that toppled a Prime Minister and sent a splintered National Assembly into a tailspin.  

Former PM Michel Barnier attempted on 2nd December to push through an unpopular version using a rarely used constitutional mechanism which by-passed parliamentary approval. The backlash was swift and merciless with the legislature calling for a vote of no confidence on 4th December that handily passed, thus ousting the Prime Minister. 

Without an approved budget, the standard pension adjustment rule outlined in the Social Security Code has kicked in. This method links basic pension increases to the inflation rate recorded by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), ensuring pensions rise in line with consumer price indices.

The result is that pensioners will see a 2.2% increase from the start of the year ccording to an announcement made by the Minister of Economy on 10th December. 

The original proposal aimed for two incremental pension hikes in 2025: a 0.8% increase for all pensions in January, followed by another 0.8% boost in July for retirees receiving pensions below the minimum wage (SMIC). However, these plans now hang in the balance due to legislative gridlock, leaving retirees with the automatic inflation-based adjustment as their only confirmed increase.

The 2.2% hike reflects the steep climb in living costs, particularly over the past year, and is seen as a critical lifeline for retirees struggling to keep up with rising expenses. Yet, the political stalemate raises broader questions about the future of pension reforms and the government’s ability to navigate economic challenges.

As the dust settles in the political arena, France’s pensioners are left with mixed feelings—relief at the inflation-based increase but uncertainty about what lies ahead for their financial stability in 2025 and beyond.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo credit: EV on Unsplash