Andrea Chénier coming to Opéra de Monte-Carlo

andrea chenier

Love and hate in the French Revolution set the scene for the four sold-out Andrea Chénier performances this month at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. 

Leave it to the Italians to create the seminal opera about the French Revolution. First seen at La Scala in Milan in March 1896, with music written by Umberto Giordano and the libretto by Luigi Illica, Andrea Chénier tells the sad tale of the daughter of a countess, Maddalena de Coigny, who falls in love with Andrea Chénier, a poet and French patriot during the Revolution.  

Andrea offers her protection, only to find a rival in former servant Carlo, who now holds a position of power and threatens to not only derail their romance, but to eliminate the competition by having Andrea condemned.  

Renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann is taking on the title role alongside Maria Agresta as Maddalena. This piece is one he is well-suited for as a seasoned performer who has taken on other challenging parts such as Don José in Carmen and Cavaradossi in Tosca.  

“I think playing a historical character is fantastic, because you have access to a lot of background information that you can incorporate into your interpretation,” said Kaufmann of the role. “In addition, the role of Andrea Chénier is very rewarding musically and vocally, it is in my eyes an absolute masterpiece. And it is an opera through which many great tenors of the past have become immortal, notably Franco Corelli. In this regard, it is always a special honour for me to be able to sing this ‘tenor opera’.” 

Andrea Chénier, a co-production with the Teatro Comunale Bologna and directed by Pier Francesco Maestrini, is playing sold-out shows on 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th February, with a Gala performance being held on 21st.  

For more information, please click here.

 

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Photo credit: Bill Cooper

Register now for the Pink Ribbon Monaco walk

women dressed in pink during the Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk

Pink Ribbon Monaco and its supporters will take to the streets on Sunday for a five kilometre walk in support of breast cancer detection. So, grab something pink and join in the fun!

The annual walk starts at 9:45am on Sunday 12th February, but participants are encouraged to turn up early and enjoy everything that is planned.

Pink Ribbon Monaco describes it as a day to “let loose, have fun, and celebrate life!”.

Children under 13 walk for free and pets are welcome.

All profits raised from Pink Ribbon Monaco events and activities go to fund a new scientific study on lobular breast cancer detection directed by Dr. Florent Hugonnet at the Princesse Grace Hospital Centre.

In addition to raising important funds, participants can also win some great raffle prizes, including a pair of Von Löwenstein shoes, a dinner for 2 at Rampoldi, a treatment at Spa Metropole by Givenchy, and a limited edition Rosie-Pink Ribbon Monaco t shirt.

To register, visit the website here: https://www.pinkribbon.mc/pink-ribbon-walk-2023

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Photo source: Pink Ribbon Monaco

Prince Albert II sends condolences to Turkey after massive earthquakes

earthquakes

Prince Albert and his government has sent their condolences after two deadly earthquakes rocked south-eastern Turkey and north-western Syria on Monday, killing an estimated 5,000. 

The first earthquake hit early Monday morning at 4.17am local time. Centred on the Turkish city of Gaziantep, roughly 241 kilometres from the Turkey-Syria border, the 7.8 magnitude quake was enough to cause major damage, which was compounded only hours later, at 1.24pm local time, by a 7.5 magnitude trembler just 80 miles north of Gaziantep.  

The death toll is expected to rise significantly as rescue workers search the rubble for survivors, and the World Health Organisation is estimating losses could rise by at least four times that number. 

Prince Albert II sends condolences in wake of earthquakes

In a public statement released on Monday evening, Prince Albert II sent his heartfelt thoughts to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the country’s people. 

“I would like to express to you my very deep emotion following the earthquakes which have hit your country so hard,” said the Prince. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by this disaster. My Family and the people of Monaco join me in sharing with you their unity of thought with the wounded and all the people who are in pain today. Rest assured, Mr. President, of our deep solidarity with your people and with you.” 

The Prince’s government also sent words of support in a public statement, saying, “It is with emotion and sadness that the Prince’s Government wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the Turkish government and people who are today mourning the numerous losses of human life following the earthquake which affected the Kahramanmaras region. Our thoughts also turn to the emergency services and to those who come to the aid of the injured.” 

The aftershocks continue

The region is no stranger to earthquakes, but back-to-back tremors of this magnitude are rare. At least 120 aftershocks have been recorded so far, according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD). 

Any earthquake over 7.0 is considered “major” and with that, significant loss of life and property are expected. This is most certainly the case in Syria and Turkey today, as more than 5,500 buildings are reported to have collapsed.  

The region is also home to more than four million internally displaced Syrian refugees who fled opposition-controlled areas when fighting broke out there over a decade ago. These people rely on international aid to survive, and the disruptions caused by the quakes will no doubt impact them severely.  

An estimated 24,400 workers and volunteers are working tirelessly to find possible survivors who could be trapped in the rubble. 55 helicopters have made more than 150 trips into the region to transport emergency aid, with 85 trucks distributing food. Overnight temperatures sunk to -5°C and, even with help, people are in desperate need of warmth and shelter.  

Rescue workers are being joined by international crews who are flooding into the region from not just the European Union, but also the United States, the UK, Israel and even Ukraine, whose on-going war with Russia would naturally give them a pass in most instances.  

Tremors felt in Monaco 

Eerily, Monaco and its environs have also recorded tremors in the past day or so, completely unrelated to the Turkish and Syrian quakes, with reports of a 2.4 magnitude quake hitting at 2.10am on Monday.  

  

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Photo source: Abdurrahman Erbas for Unsplash

Charles Leclerc’s 2023 F1 challenger to be revealed as season fast-approaches

Ferrari have announced that their 2023 Formula One Car, the SF-23, will be released at Maranello next Tuesday with under a week to go until Charles Leclerc can mount another title challenge. 

Preparations for the upcoming season are accelerating, and the anticipation behind another Leclerc title challenge is mounting. On Tuesday, the Monégasque driver posted a video on his social media, driving around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in a now vintage 2003 title-winning Ferrari.

 

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A post shared by Charles Leclerc (@charles_leclerc)

That year, it was Michael Schumacher who drove the Prancing Horse brand to a constructors and drivers title. Leclerc will be hoping to ensure the same fate this season after his title challenge faded last season. Ultimately, it was Max Verstappen who strolled to back-to-back drivers titles.

Leclerc will be hoping to replicate his Bahrainian Grand Prix performance under the night lights of Sakhir on Sunday 5th March.

The machinery at his disposal will be unveiled in Maranello, Italy on 14th February, it was announced on Tuesday. Whilst the appearance and performance of the car remain a mystery for now, we do at least know the name: SF-23.

It is the eighth car to be designated SF, with the number, of course, referring to the year. Anticipation is growing, with the world now certain on catching their first glimpse of the new Prancing Horse in just a week’s time.

 

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Photo of Charles Leclerc at the Austrian Grand Prix 2022, credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre

A diverse Monaco Run programme returns with something for every fitness level

Monaco Run

The Monaco Run, the annual two-day racing event taking place on Quai Albert Ier, attracts everyone from world-class athletes to weekend warriors and families looking for a bit of fun and exercise. To sweeten the pot, Pink Ribbon Monaco will also be joining with their famous five-kilometre walk to bring awareness and raise funds for breast cancer.  

The Monaco Run returns to Port Hercule on 11th and 12th February with five separate events made for young and old.  

The 1,000-metre races will take place on Saturday in a succession of races depending on age. Children and adults can both take part in this fast-paced run, with the first race kicking off at 2pm on the Quai Albert Ier. This a free event, but all runners must be signed up beforehand.  

Sunday features the five-kilometre run at 10am. The race will start from Port Hercule before heading to Monte Carlo Bay, passing through the famous F1 Grand Prix tunnel and then onto Larvotto. This race, though not long in duration, has seen many records broken, including a world record set by Joshua Cheptegei in 2020.  

For a bit more of a trial, the 10-kilometre run is hugely popular, and starts at the same time and place as the five, only participants are challenged to do the course twice. This race too will have professional runners taking place, looking to set records and beat personal bests.  

Sunday also is host day to the City Trail race, which this year can be done in a timed 12-kilometre race or as an untimed seven-kilometre fun run-style event. This unique race takes runners through Monaco’s parks and backstreets as well as past monuments and places of interest such as the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. The race has an early 8am start.  

Last but not least, Pink Ribbon Monaco’s five-kilometre walk has a 10am start from Port Hercule where participants are asked to get their pink on for a good cause. This easy walk for all was created by Pink Ribbon’s founder Natasha Frost-Savio in 2011, and has grown to the premiere breast cancer awareness event in Monaco.  

To be a part of Pink Ribbon, register online. To register for any other of the Monaco Run events, visit the website.  

 

READ MORE:

Dates for your diary: two February Pink Ribbon events with special guest Noah Wyle

 

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Photo source: Monaco Run / Facebook

Chef Yannick Alléno to open Pavyllon London in summer 2023

After launching Pavyllon Monte-Carlo in 2022, Yannick Alléno, one of the most Michelin-starred chefs in the world, will open Pavyllon London this summer.

The restaurant will be set within the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and bring Chef Alléno’s refined neighbourhood dining style to London.

“Partnering with the iconic Four Seasons brand has always been a dream of mine, and I am so excited that this partnership will be conceived in London, where I have long wanted to open,” says Chef Yannick Alléno. “Together, we’ve created a concept that will reflect the contemporary and vibrant nature of the city it will call home, while appealing to locals, visitors, and all who enter its doors.”

Pavyllon London will champion laid-back luxury, pairing fine cuisine with a modern and warm environment – a reflection of the French chef’s long-standing love affair with London and his firm belief that restaurants form the backbone of the city’s social scene.

Pavyllon London will be designed in the same style as Pavyllon Monte-Carlo at the Hôtel Hermitage, with a restaurant counter for guests to take front-row seats at his theatre.

On the menu at Pavyllon London

The menu at Pavyllon London will feature dishes that are rooted in French gastronomy and techniques, while Chef Yannick Alléno draws inspiration from seasonal British produce to create a modern dining experience.

In keeping with Yannick Alléno’s philosophy that chefs have a responsibility to look after the good health of their guests, he will reform classical approaches to cooking by reducing the amount of sugar, fat, and salt in his dishes without compromising flavour or sense of indulgence. Underpinning his philosophy of modern French cuisine are multiple pillars, including Extraction, a technique he developed in 2013, as well as fermentation.

The wine offering has been considered with the help of superstar sommelier Vincent Javaux, and will include prestigious references from some of the world’s best vineyards alongside family-owned chateaus. There will also be a significant selection of wines available by the glass.

The legendary Chef Yannick Alléno

Chef Yannick Alléno is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest chefs, holding 15 Michelin stars across his 14 global restaurants.

In April 2022, Yannick Alléno unveiled Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, taking fine dining in Monaco to a new level.

Since the beginning of his career, he has become known for his reinvention of Modern French cuisine with dishes rooted in French gastronomy but taking inspiration from modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. His three restaurants in Pavillon Ledoyen hold six stars – three at Alléno Paris, two at L’Abysse and one at Pavyllon – making it the most star-rated independent establishment in the world. His restaurant Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, also holds three Michelin stars.

 

SEE ALSO:

Yannick Alléno unveils Pavyllon Monte-Carlo

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Photo by Monaco Life