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Tag: Montecarlo

“We needed a big victory”

by: Luke Entwistle
30/12/2021

The Roca team backed up their emphatic win at Fos-sur-Mer with a 82-76 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Salle Gaston Médecin on Wednesday.
Sasa Obradoivc’s men finished the calendar year in style, registering only their second victory in nine attempts in the Euroleague.
The result hinged on a phenomenal defensive performance, and the creative efforts of point guard Mike James, whose 13 assists on the night were enough for Monaco to edge past the Israeli side.
The improvement is evident for both Obradovic and James. The former stated, “The defence is definitely better. You can see that the guys are really fighting.”
James shared his coach’s positive appraisal, saying, “We’re making steps to improve every day.” This can be a sign of cautious optimism for the second-half of the season.
The recent return of James and captain Leo Westermann, both of whom were injured towards the end of Zvezdan Mitrovic’s reign has bolstered Obradovic’s roster, and the improvement is clear to see.
James was the scorer of 12 points on the night, contributing with a couple of crucial three-pointers, whilst Westermann also registered 10 points. The French player was particularly integral in the tightly contested first-quarter in which Monaco came out marginally second best.
The Roca team quickly overturned the deficit early in the second-quarter and proceeded to control the game. Donatas Motiejūnas’ 16-point haul saw him finish as Monaco’s top scorer, but Tel Aviv’s Scottie Wilbekin, who was imperious in the reverse fixture, was the overall top scorer with 31 points.
Going into the final minutes with only a slender lead, Monaco’s game management was exemplary. At times they have succumbed under such pressure, but on this occasion Obradovic’s men rose to the challenge.
Despite having very little training time in what is a tightly packed schedule, Obradovic is clearly already making his mark on this side. His imprint will become deeper, with a gap in the schedule affording the Serbian coach time to instill his ideas in his squad.
The Roca team’s first game of 2022 will come away at Lyon on Friday 7th January.
 

 
 
Photo: Stephane Dana, Communication Department

Monaco Artist Jane Gemayel exhibiting in Dubai

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/12/2021

Monaco-based Jane Gemayel is taking a selection of her works on the road to exhibit at the Monaco Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo in January.

Artist Jane Gemayel has lived and worked in the Principality for three decades. Her unique approach uses the written word or artistic masters as inspiration, and in the case of her new upcoming exhibition at the World Expo in Dubai, she gets her creative bursts from unexpected quarters.

In her tribute to the poet Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet published in 1923, she weaves her art together in a meditative dance with the canvas. Using black boxes, she has meticulously collected all the substance of his work in quotes, press clippings, notes, associations of ideas and colour.

Gemayel’s next series is called ‘Woman, Heart, Innocence’ and brings forth a theme dear to her. The pieces have been created through her aesthetic research of the human form, particularly that of the female. Imbued with a classical heritage that she shares with masters who have inspired her, such as Matisse and Klimt, the artist shows the movement of a body in black ink in a spontaneous outline. Within the design, the dynamic is conveyed by arabesque motifs and dense lines executed in black ink, like a calligrapher. Sometimes the colour comes in the solid areas of acrylic paint in bold tones: red, gold or deep blue. Sacred and refined, these figures nonetheless exude a fragile beauty.

The artist’s ‘News as Muse’ series from 2016 uses images and writing as jumping off points. She captures the essence of today’s fast-paced, chaotic news media, asking people to question relationships to power and politics, as well as to the future of humankind and the planet. She explores topics such as love, tolerance, peace and freedom. What was a celebration in her Gibran works turns to pain and condemnation in these pieces. 

The Monaco Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo will be transformed into an art gallery to house her collection on 12th and 13th January 2022. In its capacity as cultural operator, the Grimaldi Forum is organising this 90 m2 exhibition space for public viewings.

 

 

 

The Tchouaméni rumour mill keeps on turning

by: Luke Entwistle
28/12/2021

The January transfer window is fast-approaching and one player who has long been rumoured to be heading for the exit door is Aurélien Tchouaméni, with European giants keen to prise the French international away from Monaco.
The Girondins de Bordeaux academy graduate was already much coveted in the summer window. It was widely rumoured that Champions League winners Chelsea had registered an interest and were prepared to pay up to €50 million to secure his services.
His dogged work in winning the ball back, and his ability to instigate attacks with incisive progressive passes, have only enhanced his reputation and have earned him a regular spot in Didier Deschamps’ France side.
He now looks set to be the latest export from a Monaco side that has a global reputation for developing, and exporting, world class talent. Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United have all been touted as potential destinations by a wide range of media outlets, but Chelsea have recently emerged as the frontrunner for his signature.
The London side are keen to bolster their midfield options and are not lacking the resources to do so. Tchouaméni is seen as a potential long-term successor to N’golo Kante, and a recent injury to the Chelsea midfielder could accelerate plans to wrap up the transfer.
It still remains to be seen whether Monaco’s sporting director Paul Mitchell would sanction the French midfielder’s departure next month, but one thing is for sure – he won’t be sold on the cheap. The Englishman told Tuttosport, “Everything is expensive in Monte Carlo, let’s say that Tchouaméni is as expensive as the grand Casino.”
Despite Mitchell’s defiance, the fact remains that the French midfielder’s departure is a matter of when, not if. Asked by Monaco Life about the chances of keeping Tchouaméni in the long-term, Monaco manager NIco Kovac said, “He will have a good career. I think, in the end, we must be honest. We will try everything to keep him here, but I also know that one day he will leave the club.”
However, Kovac isn’t willing to let go of his star midfielder just yet. “I don’t know when (he will leave). I would like to have him here as long as possible, but he deserves it, and he has the qualities and the possibilities to play in the big leagues around Europe.”
It is yet to be seen whether Chelsea, or another European giant, will challenge Monaco’s resolve in January, but the Principality side will ultimately have to plan for a future without Tchouaméni.
 
 
Photo source: AS Monaco
 
 
 

CSM to analyse for Covid variants

by: Cassandra Tanti
27/12/2021

The Scientific Centre of Monaco will soon be equipped with the technology to detect new Covid variants, including the fast-spreading Omicron variant, allowing the Principality to better understand the local health situation and contribute to international research. 
The Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) has been screening nose and blood samples for Covid-19 since May 2020, and on 16th December passed the symbolic milestone of analysing 100,000 PCR tests. It is responsible for determining the outcome of around 500 Covid tests each day, as well as over a hundred blood samples to detect the presence of antibodies.
Now, the CSM is set to equip itself with new sequencing apparatus that will allow for the genetic analysis of virus samples, something that is only currently possible in Marseille.
“This tool will give us independence and therefore allow us to respond quickly to the exact identification of new variants,” says Dr. Christian Lavagna, in charge of screening at the CSM. “We will also be able to follow the mutations of the different strains and contribute to the international monitoring set up since the start of the pandemic.
“Systematic verification of the genome also makes it possible to decode the resistance profile of the virus, an essential means for the development of effective vaccines. In these circumstances, it will no longer benecessary to acquire screening kits, such as those we are currently using, which only detect the presence of known variants.”
Like last year, the CSM has increased its screening activity during the holiday period to cope with the “fifth wave” and the high number of PCR and antibody tests being conducted throughout the Principality.
“This year, determining the level of protection by the analysis of neutralising antibodies has been added to the nasopharyngeal examination and the large number of positive samples, linked to the strong contagiousness of the Omicron variant, have led us to set up an activity seven days a week to offer even more flexibility and support for the Monegasque population,” says Dr. Lavagna.
 
 
Photo source: CSM
 
 
 

What are Monaco’s Christmas traditions?

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/12/2021

For more than seven centuries, the people of Monaco have created holiday traditions around Christmas. Mostly stemming from religion, they are still in existence today, though many are now celebrated with a decidedly modern twist.

No Mediterranean Christmas would be replete without seasonal delicacies as part of the fun. In Monaco, one of the oldest is the Pan de Natale, a bread specially consecrated during the midnight Christmas Mass by the head of each family. It is a sweet, round loaf with four to seven hazelnuts and an olive branch stacked in the shape of a cross. The blessed bread is taken home to be eaten either after church or during the holiday meal on Christmas Day.

The practice is not as commonly followed today as in other eras, but the Monaco Committee on Traditions is making a push to revive it. Some local bakeries are again offering the special bread in the Christmas Day run up.

Pan de Natale

Another festive foodie tradition is that of 13 Desserts. Originally, it stemmed from the idea of honouring Jesus and his 12 apostles. Four of them are the “four beggars”, which represent different poverty-bound Catholic orders and are made up of hazelnuts and walnuts for the Augustinians, dried figs for the Franciscans, almonds for the Carmelites and raisins for the Dominicans.

Other sweets come into play and are generally dictated by family tradition, but include things such as figs, tangerines, grapes, oranges, pain d’epices, fruit tarts, quince, cheese, nougat and yule logs.

The main dessert, however, is called La Pompe, a sweet bread made with flour, olive oil, sugar, and orange flower essence. Traditionally, it is broken by hand, just as Christ broke his bread. If sliced, it is said that financial ruin is to be expected in the coming year.

La Pompe

Monegasques usually have a large Christmas Eve meal that would sound familiar to most and is made up of roast goose or turkey, foie gras, oysters, wild game and cheeses. Champagne is the drink of choice on this special occasion.

The olive branch blessing is an ancient local ritual which involves the youngest or oldest guest dipping an olive branch into a glass of wine, approaching the fireplace and offering a prayer. The other guests then drink wine in tribute, and everyone sits down to a generous feast. After the meal, raffles and other games are played.

Photo: Eric Mathon – Frédéric Nebinger / Prince’s Palace

A charming tradition that was started in the 1950’s by Princess Grace involves local children who are invited to the Palace where they enjoy afternoon tea, a magic show and a visit from Father Christmas himself. His elves then hand out special gifts to each of the children on his “nice” list.

The Christmas Village has also become quite a tradition in the Principality. This year’s village has a Canada theme, but it changes each year. Games, fun fair rides and stalls selling food, drinks and gifts line the port offering a bit of something for everyone.

Monaco Christmas village, by Monaco Life

Finally, the one that makes most people shiver at simply the thought of it, is the annual Christmas Swim. Up to 100 souls brave the chilly temperatures for a dip in the Med on Christmas Eve. Many participants dress up as Santa, making it a sight to behold for those onshore. The Prince and Princess are usually present in the aftermath and a raffle is typically held.

These are a few of the rituals and traditions that make a Monaco Christmas special.

Top photo by Benedetta Pizzonia, Monaco Life

Princess shares illustrated Christmas portrait on social media

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/12/2021

Princess Charlene has shared an illustrated Christmas family portrait on her Instagram page, showing a stylised illustration of the family next to a Christmas tree.

In the illustration, the Princess stands by Prince Albert’s side wearing a festive golden gown. Her hand is placed affectionately on his shoulder, whilst seven-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella stand in front of them. Gabriella is holding onto her mother’s arm with one hand and has her other one draped across her brother’s shoulders – as she often does. She is also clutching a golden ornament, whilst Prince Jacques holds a silver bell.

Princess Charlene’s caption to the post reads, “Wishing everyone a beautiful and safe festive season, all my love.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwL4FgsVSm/
 

The Princess is currently away from Monaco receiving treatment for physical and emotional exhaustion after a several month ordeal with an ear, nose and throat infection. She was grounded in South Africa for six months and returned to Europe in November.