Monaco is well known for its wide range of cultural events and entertainment including some superb theatre, concerts and opera. The rich program of events in the Principality, combined with the high quality of real estate available, entices many to purchase or rent apartments in Monaco.
Opera is extremely popular with residents and visitors alike and the Monte-Carlo Opera runs a full season of performances from November until the end of April each year. The quality works on offer in the coming season include some old classics and popular adaptations; we take a look at the program.
The 2013/14 season of the Monte-Opera officially opened last month with the Monegasque National Day gala performance of Wagner’s Rheingold. This Opera was the first of Richard Wagner’s four pieces that constitute ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’. The Salle des Princes played host to the spectacular invitation only event, proceeded by a further two performances in late November.
Next on the schedule, is ‘La Favourite’, an opera in 4 acts by Italian, Gaetano Donizetti. Written in 1840, ‘La Favourite’ finally rewarded Donizetti with recognition from the Royal Acadamy of Music despite the popularity of his previous works. The story unfolds against the background of the Moorish invasions of Spain and presents a love triangle between the King of Castile Alfonso XI, Leonora his mistress (‘the favourite’) and her lover, Fernando. Juan Diago Florez takes up the role of Fernando this Sunday 15th December at the Auditorium Ranier III. The performance will then proceed to the Theatre de Champs-Elysees in Paris on 18th December.
In late December and January, Antonin Dvorak’s superb Czech opera, Rusalka will be shown at the Salle Garnier. This spectacular venue is a Belle Epoque concert hall built onto the casino and located close to many of La Costa Properties finest Monaco rentals. Dvorak’s most famous opera is based on fairy tales and on January 21st the performance will be specifically aimed at a younger audience. Written in 1901, this captivating piece combines magic, myth and folklore to create superb dramatic action.
Looking ahead to February, 4 performances of Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore are scheduled at the Salle Garnier. The second of Donizetti’s opera’s to be shown in Monaco in the season is a comic piece in two acts. The opera tells the story of Nemorino, a poor peasant who is in love with a beautiful landowner and decides to use a magic potion to make her fall in love with him.
The 3 operas drawing the 2013/14 season to a close in March and April will be Franz Josef Haydn’s opera buffa, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Ernani, based on Victor Hugo’s play Hernani and Hayden’s marionette opera, ‘Philemon and Baucis’ based on Ovid’s moralizing fable.
For further details on the exceptional program of Opera in Monaco this season, visit the official site of the Monte-Carlo Opera. The Monte- Carlo company also tours all over the world when not performing in Monaco. Season tickets are also available for those who want to ensure that they do not miss an event.
