January on stage at the Princess Grace Theatre

04/01/2023

From the life of an iconic muse to some of France’s greatest 20th century artists to a tale about an American convict-turned-activist, four diverse performances and events will be on show at the Princess Grace Theatre this month.

Up first on Thursday 5th is Misia Sert: Reine de Paris. Young writer Baptiste Rossi has retold the spellbinding story of Misia Sert, a beguiling woman who became a muse to some of the most noteworthy artists of her age. From Bonnard and Renoir to Diaghilev and Cocteau, Sert proved herself a source of inspiration for more than 40 years. Actress Julie Depardieu, flute player Juliette Hurel and pianist Hélène Couvert provide the modern-day talent for the 8pm performance, for which tickets start at €15.

On Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th, famous French acting couple Pierre Arditi and Évelyne Bouix appear in Salomé Lelouch’s Fallait Pas Le Dire, which was written specifically for them. Who can say what and when? And under what circumstances? This piece addresses the grey areas of free speech as well as the more intricate topics of family secrets and words spoken only between partners. Both performances begin at 8pm.

Stepping away from the theatrical to the philosophical, the Princess Grace Theater will, on Thursday 19th at 7pm, welcome the thoughts of thinkers, authors, artists and researchers that have been invited by the Philosophical Meetings of Monaco. This edition questions the notion of gender. Attending the two-hour session is free of charge for the public, but spaces are limited.

Finally on Thursday 26th at 8pm, La Maison du Loup – or Wolf House in English – tells the unusual tale of Edward Morrell, a convicted American accomplice to robbery who became famous for his ability to withstand the cruelest conditions. The story is set in the summer of 1913 with Morrell fighting to save his friend, Jacob Heimer, from the death penalty. Written by Benoît Solès, directed by Tristan Petitgirard and starring Benoit Solès, Amaury de Crayencour and Anne Plantey, the audience will see Morrell invited into the private home of author Jack London by his wife, Charmian, who has been touched by his valiant efforts. Tickets start at €25.

For more information on the full programme of events, please click here.

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Photo source: Fabienne Rappeneau

Yoshi to host exclusive sake pairing experience

by: Stephanie Horsman

04/01/2023

The only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur is coming together with IWA5 Sake, created by master of the trade Richard Geoffrey, for a unique sake tasting experience in Monaco’s Hotel Metropole.

The hotel’s celebrated Yoshi restaurant has made a name for itself thanks to its exceptional Japanese cuisine and taste for offering genuine experiences, such as the exclusive evening of delicious food paired with the sacred spirit of sake that will take place on 18th January.

At the event, a tasting menu by chef Takeo Yamazaki (pictured with fellow Hotel Metropole chef Christophe Cussac) will be served alongside hot and cold sake choices from IWA5 Sake.

The dishes include San Remo-style gamberoni, scallops in seared butter, crab meatballs in chicken broth, Wagyu beef and, of course, sushi and sashimi. Dessert will be candied apple with yuzu light cream and vanilla.

IWA5 Sake was created in Toyoma, Japan, by the former cellar master of Dom Pérignon, Richard Geoffroy, who will be on hand at the event to help guests discover the nuances of this popular drink as well as to share his own personal knowledge and passion on the topic.

When asked about the name, he explains that IWA comes from the brewery, Shiraiwa.

“Five is a number that represents harmony, the five senses… To me, it means assembly,” says Geoffrey. “My pride in this approach is not only to create an assembly of sakes, but also of people. It’s a new quest for harmony.”

Sake is a unique beverage. Often misclassified as a wine, it is actually a brewed drink where starch from rice is converted into sugars and then fermented into alcohol, making it more like beer. It has a vast variety of tastes and can be sparkling, sweet, nutty or aged.

The experience costs €390 per person and reservations must be made via yoshi@metropole.com.

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Photo source: Hotel Metropole

Monaco gears up for month of rallying

by: Luke Entwistle

03/01/2023

The Monte-Carlo Rally and the Historic Monte-Carlo Rally return to the streets of the Principality later this month, kickstarting Monaco’s packed sporting schedule in 2023.

A fortnight of racing begins on 16th January with the Grand Départ of the 91st edition of the Monte-Carlo Rally, which launches the World Rally Car (WRC) season. Beginning in Saint-Agnès, the highest coastal village in Europe, the grid will, over the course of a week of intense racing, make their way through the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.

The challenge itself has been heavily modified for the latest edition, with 50% of the itinerary different to last year. However, it will conclude in traditional fashion: with the competitors crossing the line in Monaco on Sunday afternoon before the podium ceremony in Casino Square. The professionals in the event will have their eyes on the top prize and will look to follow in the slipstream of the great Sebastien Loeb, who won last year’s event.

Motorsport fans will then need to wait just two days before getting their next fix of racing action.

An event for amateurs, participants of the 25th edition of the Historic Monte-Carlo Rally will begin their journey from five different destinations, all of which are classic courses on the WRC calendar. Over the course of a week, iconic cars of the past will make their way from Bad Homburg, Oslo, London, Turin and Reims to Monaco.

Arriving in Monaco on 27th January, the grid will then tackle multiple challenges on the tricky mountain roads of the surrounding region. They will then return to Monaco on 1st January, where the successors to last year’s winners, Philippe and Antoine Cornet de Ways Ruart, will be crowned in a ceremony in the Salle des Etoiles.

Photo credit: PushingPace

Talent call for 2023 MC Summer Concert

by: Jessica Tatam

30/12/2022

The date for 2023’s MC Summer Concert has been set, and young musicians and artists can now apply to take part. Could you be the next star performer?

Next year’s MC Summer Concert will be taking place on 7th July 2023. The event is a collaborative initiative born of the National Council, the Government of Monaco and the Monaco City Hall, and shines the spotlight on young musical talent in the Principality.

The inaugural event in 2019 was a huge success, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was forced to take a two-year hiatus. 2022 marked the highly-anticipated return of the concert and next year the popular music event will again return to the Espace Léo Ferré.

Applications for the big event are now open for all Monaco residents between 13 and 25 years of age, alone or part of a group. Artists are asked to put together a 20-minute presentation of their skills; a showcase of “musical identity and stage presence”.

The application form is available online and entries close on 27th March 2023.

For more information, please click here.

Photo source: Israel Palacio for Unsplash

Early spring festivals for the whole family

by: Elsa Carpenter

29/12/2022

With the New Year fast approaching, Monaco Life picks out some of the region’s best family-friendly festivals for early 2023.

Monte-Carlo Circus Festival

First up for family attractions is the incredible Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, which is the biggest of its kind in the world! The breath-taking display is back after a Covid hiatus and will be celebrating its 45th anniversary in the Fontvieille Big Top from 20th to 29th January. A great number of international acts, from magicians and unicyclists to horseback riders and jugglers, are also returning to the spotlight. Don’t forget the New Generation side event, which champions young and emerging talents from the industry. For more information, please click here.

Nice’s famous Carnival

From 10th to 26th February, the streets of Nice will come alive with parades, dance troupes and music for the annual carnival event. With this year’s theme of King of World Treasures, the crowd can expect a particularly vibrant show. It’s also officially 150 years since the tradition of the carnival began in Nice, starting back in 1873, so it’s a momentous occasion in the history of this beloved festival that is famed for its colossal structures still made by artisans in the city. A special anniversary parade has been programmed for Saturday 11th February – book tickets now for your chance to attend!

Menton’s Fête du Citron

The lemon festival, as it’s widely known, is an iconic event on the French Riviera and regularly attracts over 200,000 people, young and old. Due to be held from 11th to 26th February with the quirky theme of rock and opera, the festival holds both day and night-time parades through the decorated streets and gardens of this seaside town. Side events include the spectacular orchid market and crafts fair. A Pink Floyd-inspired night on Saturday 18th February, entitled The Dark Side of the Moon, is set to be a highlight of the festival. Here’s the link to tickets and the programme.

Festival International de Jeux in Cannes

From 24th to 26th February, Cannes’ famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès will become the epicentre of the international games industry, with exhibits from studios, publishers, authors, illustrators and professional gamers. Over 45,000m2 of traditional and classic games will be on show, including new releases and some premieres as well as videogames and simulation games. The industry event takes place over a full week, but the general public are invited in for the closing days of the festival, allowing keen gamers opportunities to meet their favourite creators and players. Please click here for more information.

Photo source: Carnaval de Nice/Facebook

Herculis 2023 programme revealed

by: Luke Entwistle

27/12/2022

The 2023 edition of Herculis, the annual Diamond League meeting in the Principality of Monaco, will take place on 21st July 2023, and will once again welcome the world’s most elite athletes.

Herculis has been rated as the best meeting on the calendar on seven occasions, and the fans will once again pack the stands of the Stade Louis II for the event in 2023. Moved from August to late July, the latest edition of the elite athletics event is sure to bring the greatest athletes in the world to the Principality.

As well as the date of the event, the disciplines on show have also been revealed by the Diamond League. In the Women’s categories, there will be 200, 400 and 1,500-metre races as well as a 100-metre hurdles event. There will also be a high jump and a long jump.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lit up the track in Monaco in the 100m competition earlier this year, blowing away the competition, and while that event won’t be on the itinerary in 2023, the Jamaican sprinter could nonetheless return to compete in the 200m event.

In the Men’s categories, there will be 100, 800 and 5,000-metre races. There will also be a 3,000-metre steeple chase and a 400-metre hurdles race. There will also be plenty of action off the track, with pole vault, triple jump and javelin throw events all on show as well.

Noah Lyles took gold in the Men’s 200m last year, before going on to beat Usain Bolt’s record in the discipline just over a month later. He will have the chance to better his personal best of 9.86 seconds in the 100m on the iconic Monegasque track next July, in what promises to be another enthralling night of athletics at the Stade Louis II.

Photo by Monaco Life