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The Monte-Carlo Orchestra (OPMC) – a philharmonic orchestra since 1980 – plays a special role in the world of international music.

Founded in 1856, the Orchestre du Nouveau Cercle des Etrangers (Orchestra of the New Circle of Foreigners) became  the National Orchestra of the Monte-Carlo Opera in 1958 before being renamed the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1980. Its philosophy is to perform symphonic works from the great repertoire, as well as rare and contemporary pieces, while also engaging in the creation of lyrical and choreographic works.

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo.

The Monegasque ensemble, whose current President is Princess Caroline of Hanover, has performed many world premieres since the late nineteenth century, from Massenet to Puccini, Ravel and Fauré.

The orchestral programme has also showcased contemporary composers such as Dutilleux and Eötvös.

The orchestra has been led by some great names, including Lawrence Foster, Marek Janowski, Yakov Kreizberg and Gianluigi Gelmetti in recent years.

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Kazuki Yamada has held the role of Artistic and Musical Director since the 2016–2017 season.

The 2022/2023 season features the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sergei Rachmaninoff, a collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus for a performance of Carmina Burana, and a concert screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey… The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is reserving two evenings for tributes to Princess Grace and Prince Albert I (with a concert version of the last opera commissioned by the Prince: Saint-Saëns’ Déjanire).

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is regularly invited to perform at major festivals in Paris, Prague, Montreux, Vienna, Orange, Dresden, and Bonn, among other cities, and has completed many tours around the world.

Since 1959, the Orchestra has also organised its own festival, performing gala concerts in the Royal Courtyard at the Prince’s Palace. They are the only concerts to be held at the palace of a serving head of state…

The OPMC Classics label was introduced in 2010. A number of its releases have been awarded prizes by the musical press.

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Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo

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