Commemorating the most Irish of days, the Princess Grace Irish Library has hosted an afternoon of music and drama with Prince Albert.

The Princess Grace Irish Library celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with an event-afternoon and the library’s Vice-President, Prince Albert II, was on hand to take part.

Pupils from the Académie de Musique Foundation Prince Rainier III de Monaco played under the direction of Jade Sapolin and actors from the Monaco-Ireland Arts Society provided dramatic entertainment.

Harpists Elia Eastwood and Anaïd Conquet were joined by harpsichordists Léo Curran and Marcello Formenti as they played traditional Irish melodies including Molly Malone by famed Irish composer Turlough O’Carolan.

Additionally, a short story, The Majesty of the Law, by Frank O’Connor was semi-dramatised with hilarious effect by the Monaco-Ireland Arts Society members Birgitt McDonagh, Andrew Riley and Nick O’Connor to an approving audience.

The afternoon was rounded out with a presentation of two home-made Irish apple tarts decorated with shamrocks by students from the Lycée Technique & Hôtelier de Monaco.

The Princess Grace Irish Library was established in 1984 by Prince Rainier III in memory of his late wife. It features collections of Irish literature as well the personal collections of books and music that belonged Princess Grace.

The library now features a collection of over 12,000 books and hosts public lectures and literary readings by Irish authors and notables.

 
Photo by the Princess Grace Irish Library