Dubai Opera will host a rare convergence of classical music talent on 22nd December when José Carreras and Plácido Domingo reunite for the ‘Stars of the Century’ gala. The performance brings together two of the most celebrated tenors of their generation with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra under conductor Valery Gergiev.
The event marks the pinnacle of Dubai Opera’s tenth anniversary celebrations. Soprano Hibla Gerzmava joins the programme, which spans opera, zarzuela, Broadway, operetta, and popular songs, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural character.
The Mariinsky Orchestra and Gergiev
Valery Gergiev, one of classical music’s most influential conductors, leads the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, recognised as one of the world’s premier ensembles. Under Gergiev’s direction since 1988, the orchestra has developed a distinctive sound rooted in Russian musical tradition whilst maintaining a global presence through regular international tours and recordings.
The orchestra’s participation elevates the evening beyond a vocal showcase into a full symphonic event. The combination of Gergiev’s conducting with the performances of Carreras and Domingo creates a rare alignment of operatic and orchestral artistry on a single stage.
A partnership revisited
Carreras and Domingo’s reunion recalls their work together as part of The Three Tenors alongside the late Luciano Pavarotti. The partnership, which began in 1990, introduced opera to vast new audiences through stadium concerts and recordings that sold millions of copies worldwide.
Carreras, whose career spans over 50 years, has balanced his performing schedule with humanitarian work through the José Carreras Leukaemia Foundation, established after his own recovery from the disease in the late 1980s. Domingo remains active as both performer and conductor, having sung over 150 roles across opera houses on six continents whilst serving in various artistic leadership positions.
Programme and performers
The evening’s repertoire moves across musical traditions and continents. The programme includes operatic arias, Spanish zarzuela excerpts, Broadway standards, operetta selections, and internationally recognised songs, performed by the three soloists with full orchestral accompaniment.
Hibla Gerzmava has performed at major venues including the Bolshoi Theatre, Metropolitan Opera, and Teatro alla Scala. Her repertoire centres on Russian and Italian opera, with particular recognition for her interpretations of Tchaikovsky and Verdi heroines.
Dubai Opera milestone
The gala caps a year of programming celebrating Dubai Opera’s first decade since opening in 2016. The venue, designed to resemble a traditional Arabian dhow, has hosted over 1,500 performances across opera, ballet, classical music, theatre, and contemporary genres.
The Bal de Noël returned to the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on Friday evening for its 20th anniversary, drawing Monaco society and international guests for an evening that has become a definitive highlight of the Principality’s Christmas calendar. Since its founding in 2005, the gala has evolved into one of Monaco’s most prestigious charity events, this year raising a record sum for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
Guests arrived to champagne on the iconic Salle Empire terrace, overlooking the Place du Casino illuminated in its festive splendour. Inside, the historic hall’s gold-gilded interior provided an opulent backdrop for the evening. Narmino’s signature floral arrangements complemented the Belle Époque architecture, whilst each table was set with silver, crystal, and bottles of Xerjoff fragrance.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at the 20th anniversary of the Bal de Noël with Founder Sandrine Knoell. Credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
Held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene of Monaco, the evening was graced by both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, underscoring the importance of the evening.
“Having both Their Serene Highnesses there meant so much, it was a recognition I deeply appreciated,” said event founder Sandrine Knoell. “All the guests were delighted to see them both. You could see that Prince Albert was genuinely happy to be beside Princess Charlene and was proud to be supporting her.”
The gala raised a record €451,000 through a Sotheby’s auction and generous donations. Knoell orchestrated the celebration alongside members of the International Action Committee, whilst Princess Charlene’s brother Gareth Wittstock, who serves as secretary of her Foundation, joined the evening’s distinguished guests.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to Sandrine for the tremendous success of last night’s gala,” Wittstock said publicly. “Your dedication and hard work toward this event have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly appreciative. A heartfelt thank you to all the supporters who attended and supported the Princess Charlene Foundation and its important cause. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.”
Princess Charlene with her brother and Secretary of the Princess Charlene Foundation Gareth Wittstock, alongside Sandrine Knoell. Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace
Entertainment came courtesy of performers dressed in elaborate Baroque costumes, complete with towering powdered wigs, who serenaded guests with contemporary hits. The juxtaposition of historical grandeur and modern music captured the essence of the evening itself — a celebration rooted in tradition yet vibrant with contemporary purpose.
Photo credit: Alain Duprat
An evening of exceptional lots
Sotheby’s experts Olivier Valmier and Louise Grethel presided over an auction that offered rare experiences and treasures befitting the occasion. A guided tour of the Maison Valentino archive in Rome promised an intimate glimpse into haute couture history, whilst an exceptional 2.07-carat royal blue natural unheated sapphire from Sri Lanka was a breathtaking inclusion.
Wine connoisseurs bid on Saint-Émilion Grand Cru bottles engraved in fine gold, and travel enthusiasts vied for a seven-night cruise aboard the luxurious Explora Journeys.
The evening’s crown jewel, however, was a guitar unlike any other. Carved from ancient chestnut wood and finished with delicate white mother-of-pearl inlay, the Nancy-shaped instrument was personally designed and crafted by Fabrizio Paoletti. Bearing the coat of arms of the Principality of Monaco alongside the Foundation’s logo, the bespoke creation had been personally signed by both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, transforming it from a musical instrument into a piece of Monaco history.
Photo credit: Alain Duprat
Two decades of tradition
For Knoell, the evening held particular resonance. The Bal de Noël began over 20 years ago, inspired by the birth of her son Alan. “It was fantastic for my son to be there with us, to see what can happen over two decades, and how certain things can affect your life in such positive ways,” she reflected.
The evening reached its crescendo with a sparkling five-tier birthday cake in white and gold — incidentally matching Princess Charlene’s flowing gown — with Gareth Wittstock and Alan joining Prince Albert II and Sandrine Knoell on stage.
In a surprise moment, the International Action Committee presented Princess Charlene with the inaugural ‘Monaco Star’ award, a new trophy honouring individuals dedicated to children’s welfare. The committee chose the Princess as the first recipient in recognition of her work through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which the Bal de Noël has supported since 2016.
The International Action Committee of the Bal de Noël. Photo credit: Alain Duprat
Monaco society in attendance
The guest list read like a who’s who of Monaco and international society. Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles arrived with her daughters Princess Maria Carolina and Princess Maria Chiara, joining an International Action Committee that included Donatella Campioni, Lady Monika del Campo Bacardi of Bayfield Hall, Arne and Anette Fredly, Inna Maier, Elena Lukovnikova, Francesca Marinelli Halpryn, Gregory and Katerina Stassinopoulos, and Angelique Vizirgianakis.
Television personality Victoria Silvstedt mingled with elite guests, whilst SBM Monaco president Stéphane Valeri represented the venue that has hosted the gala throughout its two-decade history and this year became an important partner. The room buzzed with Monaco’s business elite and international visitors, all gathered for an evening that has become a highlight of the Principality’s Christmas season.
Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles arrived with her daughters Princess Maria Carolina and Princess Maria Chiara, with Anna Hu and daughter Ngok Bella. Photo credit: Alain Duprat
Luxury partners elevate the experience
The Italian perfume house Xerjoff, coincidentally celebrating its own 20th anniversary, brought an olfactory dimension to the evening. Founder Sergio Momo attended as his house’s signature fragrances graced each table, with guests receiving special Bal de Noël edition perfume boxes and scented candles from the perfumery. The scents mingled with the visual splendour provided by Anna Hu High Jewelry, whose La Rose Gracieuse brooch — centred with a vivid fancy yellow diamond — served as a glittering reminder of the evening’s elegance.
Wine flowed from carefully selected sources including SGC Wine Estates and La Scolca, whilst Narmino had transformed the Salle Empire with floral arrangements that captured the magic of a Monte-Carlo Christmas.
The Bal de Noël is held in the iconic Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris, with the terrace seen here featuring a special Xerjoff bottle in celebration of the Italian perfumer’s 20th anniversary. Photo credit: Alain Duprat
A legacy of giving
In her foreword in the evening’s booklet, Princess Charlene reflected on the significance of both Christmas and the Bal de Noël’s milestone. “Christmas symbolises the Beginning and the Hope—a time when families come together and we reflect on the year whilst enjoying time with those we love,” she wrote. “One of the principles of Christianity is sharing with and taking care of those in need, especially children, who are at the centre of my Foundation’s work.”
She thanked all those who have supported the event throughout its two decades. “Le Bal de Noël is celebrating this year its 20th anniversary and has contributed since 2016 to help my Foundation achieve its goals. It has become more than a social gathering — it is a valued partner in our mission.”
Guests took to the dancefloor following dinner and auction, with DJ Andrea Mendoza and saxophonist keeping the celebration going into the night. Photo credit: Alain Duprat
Following the dinner and auction, guests took to the dancefloor as DJ Andrea Mendoza and a saxophonist transformed the Salle Empire into a celebration that stretched into the night. The music drew guests from their tables, turning the evening’s formal elegance into an energetic finale befitting the milestone anniversary.
As guests departed into Monaco’s December night, the record‑breaking funds raised stood as a testament to the Principality’s enduring blend of glamour and generosity, a legacy that the Bal de Noël has proudly upheld for 20 years.
See more photos in the gallery below. Photos credit: Alain Duprat, Bal de Noël
AS Monaco twice found the back of the net against Marseille but left the Vélodrome goalless and pointless on Sunday night, as Sébastien Pocognoli’s side succumbed to a fifth defeat in six Ligue 1 games (0-1).
The Vélodrome was engulfed by a thick layer of smoke, the result of an impressive pyrotechnic display by the home fans ahead of kick-off. The game was consequently delayed by 10 minutes, but as the smoke began to clear, Monaco’s heads were still in the clouds. Marseille had two clear sights of goal inside the opening six minutes. Thankfully for the Monégasques, Lukas Hradecky was more alert than the defenders in front of him.
His minor deflection from Mason Greenwood’s cross meant that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang couldn’t easily tap home at the back-post, and the former Arsenal and Chelsea centre-forward was foiled again when Hradecky got a strong hand on his chipped effort from almost point-blank range.
But having survived an early barrage, the Principality club grew into the game. Aleksandr Golovin forced Geronimo Rulli into a save before Takumi Minamino tested the OM goalkeeper with a half-volley. Rulli wasn’t able to deal with Folarin Balogun’s effort just before half-time, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was there to sweep up.
Marseille started the second half in the same manner that Monaco started the first – daydreaming. It took just 14 seconds for Monaco to work a glorious opening that was not finished by Minamino, who could not find the target. But Les Monégasques kept their foot on the accelerator and had the ball in the back of the net through Lamine Camara; a highly contentious Balogun offside call in the build-up caused the effort to be ruled out. “We looked at the images [of the offside] in the dressing room post-match, and we don’t understand it,” reacted Camara post-match.
Momentum regularly swung, and Marseille worked another flurry of chances of their own. Hradecky needed Thilo Kehrer’s help to clear a close-range Matt O’Riley effort off the line before Aubameyang and Greenwood went close. But if Hradecky was Monaco’s hero in the first half, Minamino was the villain of the second.
Greenwood winner comes seconds after disallowed Monaco goal
A sweeping cross-field ball from Denis Zakaria was perfectly collected by the Japan international, who, one-on-one, struck straight at Rulli. The Argentine would be beaten again, this time by Balogun, only for the offside flag to once again deny the Monaco forward, and then just seconds later, OM had the ball in the net for the first time, and this one would count.
Lightning struck twice as Greenwood, who scored the late winner in this same fixture last season, fired past Hradecky. Monaco still had the chance to salvage a point and would have done so if not for some last-ditch defending from Nayef Aguerd, who swept up after Mika Biereth had rounded Rulli after the Argentine’s excellent save from George Ilenikhena. With all three of Monaco’s strikers on the pitch, Pocognoli threw everything, including the kitchen sink. But as they did last season, ASM leave the Vél with a sinking feeling, despite a positive performance. When Pocognoli uses the word “disappointment” eight times in his first answer in the post-match press conference, there is no doubting the predominant emotion.
“Will we use it to rebel and to continue putting in good performances, or will we look for excuses?” he then asked. It is the big question as Monaco look to make up a gap that, following this defeat, has now become a chasm between themselves and the Champions League qualification places. “We have to keep fighting,” said Camara after an OM sucker-punch that leaves Monaco’s season on the ropes.
Prince Albert II has sent a message of condolence to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on the first night of Hanukkah.
“It is with deep emotion that I learnt of the tragic antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration,” the Prince wrote in an official dispatch. “Our thoughts are with the grieving families of the victims of this unspeakable act of violence.”
The attack occurred on the evening of the Hanukkah celebration, with more than 1,000 people in attendance at the beachside event. Two gunmen opened fire on the gathering, killing 11 people and sending 29 to hospital, including a child.
Speaking on behalf of Monaco, Prince Albert added: “On behalf of the People of Monaco, my Family and myself, allow us to express our feelings of deep pain and sorrow. Please be assured, Mister Prime Minister, of our utmost solidarity and deepest condolences to all those affected.”
The attack
Police responded to reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach at approximately 18:47 local time. The gunmen targeted the Jewish community celebration from a small footbridge between Campbell Parade and Archer Park.
Verified video footage shows two attackers directing sustained fire towards the event for several minutes. One gunman was killed by police, whilst the second suspect remains in critical condition after being shot. In one verified video, a bystander is shown wrestling a gun from one of the attackers before police arrived.
New South Wales Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a terror attack designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community.
Australian response
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the attack as “more shocking” given that mass shootings are rare in Australia.
The Australian National Imams Council and the Council of Imams NSW issued a joint statement unequivocally condemning the attack. “These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society,” they said. “Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.”
The statement added: “This is a moment for all Australians, including the Australian Muslim community, to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity, rejecting violence in all its forms.”
The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents of violence targeting the Jewish community in Australia’s recent history.
Cascades of chocolate, Oompa Loompas, and the marvellous Willy Wonka himself are about to take over the Grimaldi Forum as Monaco becomes the first to host a magical new production of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.
The musical made its world premiere on December 12th before embarking on an international tour, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life. The production follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a Golden Ticket and joins four other children on a journey though Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory, encountering everything from the famous TV room and mixing room to the nut sorting room along the way.
During open rehearsals on Friday, Monaco Life sat down with the creative team to discover what it takes to create a world of pure imagination on stage.
During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.
Finding the child within
For Sam Varley, who plays Charlie Bucket, the key to portraying the young protagonist isn’t pretending to be a child at all. “It’s less about presenting myself as a little boy, which is less interesting, and more about finding the childhood that is within us all, all the time,” he told Monaco Life.
The actor, who grew up on Roald Dahl’s stories, sees the role as a celebration of wonder. “I think part of what this story is about is finding your joy and your innocence unperturbed by adulthood, believing in magic and allowing yourself to be truly awed by anything.”
Standing on stage surrounded by the elaborate illusions, Varley admits he’s barely acting. “It’s so awe-inspiring anyway that I just allow myself to be as amazed as I am. I think that reads as joy, and childhood is joy.”
During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.
The genius of Wonka
Haydn Oakley faces the challenge of bringing the complex chocolatier Willy Wonka to life, a character known for his quick mood shifts between whimsy and darkness. But the actor, doesn’t find it particularly difficult. “Luckily, I’m closer to Wonka than further away, so I just kind of lean into that part of my own personality,” he says laughing.
As a father of two young children aged seven and five, Oakley has strong views on the darker elements woven through Dahl’s storytelling. “I think children’s brains are probably more accepting of that kind of Roald Dahl darkness that we give them credit for,” he explains. “If anything, there’s a safety in what we’re doing here experiencing those darker undertones in this sort of environment and enjoying what they are.”
He hopes adults will rediscover their own sense of play. “As adults, we prevent ourselves from enjoying those things and thinking that we have to build up walls. So hopefully, people will leave this production feeling more childlike themselves.”
During the rehearsal, photo by Monaco Life.
Directing with imagination
Director and choreographer Grant Murphy has taken an unconventional approach to staging the production. In the final rehearsal room run, he stripped away everything physical. “They had no props, no set, no costume elements, and I asked them to just imagine everything. Like a child would when they’re playing in the garden.”
This technique, Murphy explains, helps the performers maintain the show’s sense of wonder even when surrounded by elaborate technical elements. “Once we open, I’ll be asking the cast to continue imagining that they’re in an empty room with nothing in it and all of the stuff around them is coming from their minds.”
He even suggests a playful interpretation: “Maybe Charlie imagined everything that everyone sees. Could all of this just been in your imagination?”
For now, the cast prepares to bring this magical world to Monaco, before taking it to stages around the globe. The show will be performed in English with French subtitles.
With waterfalls of chocolate, breathtaking illusions, and songs including ‘The Candy Man’, ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’, and ‘Pure Imagination’, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family this Christmas season.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at the Grimaldi Forum from 12th to 14th December. Tickets start from €45.
Additionally, during every performance, one lucky child under 12 will have the opportunity to win their very own golden ticket!
Monaco’s new delegate for attractiveness, Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, has convened the first in a series of regular meetings bringing together the Principality’s business community to tackle three key challenges: relations between businesses and the state, conditions for economic development, and Monaco’s image and perception abroad.
The first session, held on December 11th at the Monaco Yacht Club, gathered representatives from FEDEM, the Monaco Economic Board, the banking association, and various professional bodies. Minister of State Christophe Mirmand was also present.
Raconnat Le Goff said the meeting stemmed from numerous one-on-one conversations with business leaders that revealed these recurring themes across all sectors.
“I want us to have very concrete discussions based on real examples of what businesses experience today,” she told the press, rather than “pilling up generalised complaints”.
The first theme addresses relations between businesses and the state, including concerns about administrative delays and complicated procedures. The second examines whether certain legal structures or texts “for certain sectors are no longer really adapted” and may need reviewing.
The third theme proved particularly striking. “When I explain our economic reality abroad, people say ‘we didn’t know that’,” Raconnat Le Goff noted, referring to recent trips in Paraguay and Jeddah.
“Monaco is known for a certain historical image that is dear to us – the glamour, festive events, sporting events,” she said. “But the reality of Monaco, the fact that Monaco is a place where it’s good to live, where it’s good to work, where it’s good to develop professional activity – that’s not necessarily perceived. The reality of our economic fabric ranging from industry to tech via services and finance is not known.”
To address this, the principality plans increased international engagement in 2026, joining networks of state agencies focused on attractiveness and meeting with foreign advisers.
Quality over quantity
However, Raconnat Le Goff dismissed any mass attraction strategy, highlighting quality over quantity. “Monaco is two square kilometres with limited real estate, limited possibilities. So we’re not in this mass policy.”
Instead, the focus is on attracting “high value-added companies” across diverse sectors rather than over-specialising. “I think we shouldn’t forbid ourselves anything in principle. Over-specialisation doesn’t seem appropriate either because it puts us at the mercy of a sector of activity.”
The sessions are likely to be held every four to six weeks.
