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During July and August each summer, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra presents a season of concerts in the Cour d’Honneur du Palais.
This tradition dates back to 1959, when His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III and Louis Frémaux – Musical Director of the Philharmonic – launched a summer season of concerts which have since become a ‘must’ on the calendars of music lovers throughout the world.
From 17th July to 7th August this summer, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II will host six concerts under the stars in the elegant Court of Honour, each led by an illustrious figure from the world of conducting, and a prestigious line-up of international guest soloists.
In the opening concert, Semyon Bychkov directs the Orchestra in an all-French programme, with Katia and Marielle Labèque (pictured above) playing Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, followed by Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique.
Gianluigi Gelmetti, Music Director of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, takes the podium for the next performance, also featuring French music. Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is followed by a relatively unknown work, La Symphonie Interrompue (Interrupted Symphony) by Monegasque composer, Léo Ferré. Soprano Katarzyna Medlarska is the soloist in this work, and also in the first of three pieces by Ravel – his Alborada del gracioso. Two enduring Ravel favourites follow – the Pavane for a Dead Princess and the ever-popular Bolero.
