Monte-Carlo Opera: favourite classics and little-known gems

For more than a century, the Monte-Carlo Opera has been a jewel in the crown of Monaco’s music scene.

Monaco’s music scene did not begin with the construction of the Monte-Carlo Opera, but the official opening of the Salle Garnier on 25 January 1879 was nonetheless a turning point. An era of extraordinary world creations was born, thanks in particular to Raoul Gunsbourg, who served as the Opera’s Director from 1892 to 1951 (a record!). These included Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame (1902), Chérubin, Don Quixote, Roma, Cléopâtre and Amadis by Jules Massenet, works by Saint-Saëns, Puccini’s La Rondine (The Swallow), Ravel’s L’Enfant et les sortilèges, and many more.

The Opera’s Director, who also leads the Chorégies d’Orange, takes particular care over casting, using a mix of international stars and talented youngsters. Opera’s elite have all performed here, from Sonya Yoncheva to Roberto Alagna – who has remained loyal to the Monegasque stage since his debut in 1989 – not forgetting Cecilia Bartoli and Juan Diego Florez.

On 3 December 2019, H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Chair of the Monte-Carlo Opera Board of Directors, announced that Cecilia Bartoli would take over from Jean-Louis Grinda on 1 January 2023.

An internationally renowned singer who has led the Musiciens du Prince as artistic director since the ensemble was formed in 2016, Cecilia Bartoli will be the first woman to take on this role.