Monaco’s Cultural Affairs Department is inviting music lovers to immerse themselves in the rich beauty of Baroque music through a complimentary duo of concerts at two of the Principality’s emblematic religious sites in early December. Here are all the details.

On Tuesday 3rd December, the Ensemble La Sportelle will present Mater Ecclesia, a programme featuring a captivating dialogue between the German music of Johann Sebastian Bach and the Spanish compositions of Alonso Lobo, Tomás Luis de Victoria and Francisco Guerrero. The concert will take place at 8pm at the Église du Sacré-Cœur.

The Ensemble La Sportelle, closely associated with Rocamadour-Musique Sacrée, is named after La Sportelle, a historic medal symbolising the pilgrimage to Rocamadour, a celebrated French pilgrimage site that is home to the sanctuary of the Black Madonna.

Under the artistic direction of Emmeran Rollin and the musical direction of Alix Dumon-Debaecker, this Monaco performance will see the ensemble blend choral pieces with organ interludes to create an emotionally and spiritually resonant experience.

Two days later, on Thursday 5th December, the Ensemble Concerto Soave will perform Venite, Exultemus, showcasing motets for bass and violins by French composers André Campra and Nicolas Bernier, at 8pm at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde.

These works, which demonstrate an exquisite synthesis of French elegance and Italian melodic richness, will be performed by baritone Romain Bockler alongside an ensemble of violinists, theorbo, viola da gamba, organ and harpsichord players. Jean-Marc Aymes will direct.

Founded by María Cristina Kiehr and Aymes, the Ensemble Concerto Soave is renowned for its poetic exploration of the Italian Seicento repertoire, bridging the past and present with expressive mastery.

Both events are free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on these remarkable concerts, visit the Cultural Affairs Department’s website here.

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