A vibrant mix of artists from across the globe will descend on the Principality of Monaco this autumn for the highly anticipated Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival. With the programme now revealed, here’s a look at some of the standout performances you won’t want to miss.
The programme for the 2024 Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, now in its 18th year, was unveiled at a press event attended by Monaco Life on 12th September. Artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla and his co-programmer, Reno di Matteo, were given the honour of announcing the diverse line-up, which features solo artists, bands and ensemble from around the world, as well as two dramatic film screenings.
Around 30 young musicians from the Académie Rainier III’s Jazz and Modern Music departments will open this year’s event on 20th November at the Opera Garnier. The venue will be the main site of action during the festival, while the Rotunda in the neighbouring Casino de Monte-Carlo will be playing host to the various before and after events.
Next up is an evening with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Scotty Barnhart, and the Dal Sasso Big Band on 21st November. They will be followed by two sets of soloists: Dee Dee Bridgewater and Stefano di Battista will be performing on 22nd November, with AYO and Mayra Andrade lined up for the next evening.
British band Level 42 and the French Emile Londonien trio are set to play on 27th November. Three distinctive acts are on the bill for the following night: Afro-Cuban artist Cimafunk and Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who will perform with his father’s former band, Egypt 80.
Guitarists Matthieu Chedid, also known as -M-, and Thibault Cauvin will present their co-signed record L’Heure Miroir at a concert on 29th November, ahead of a performance by singer and harpist Sophye Soliveau later that night.
The final evening of music, on 30th November, will feature two superb singers: Italy’s Mario Biondi and American Stella Cole.
As a complement to the musical event, this year’s festival will showcase two compelling film screenings. The first is Louis Malle’s Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows), with music by Miles Davis in collaboration with the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, on 24th November. The second cinematic event on the programme is Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, with music by Justin Hurwitz, on 1st December.
Ticket prices range from €12 for the cinema events up to €90 for a seat at one of the concert dates. Advance bookings are now open.
For more information about the event and its programme, click here.
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Main image of Reno di Matteo (left) and Alfonso Ciulla (right) at the unveiling on the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival programme
Photo by Monaco Life