Since 1892 the Monte Carlo Opera has occupied the Salle Garnier, named after the architect who also designed the Paris Opera House. It is a magnificent hall with a wonderful past. Many works debuted here for the first time, such as Richard Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," in 1893, and Maurice Ravel's "The Child and the Spells" in 1925.

In all, 45 lyrical works were first produced in Monte-Carlo by some of the world's greatest singers including Melba, Caruso, Chaliapin, Tito Schipa, Georges Thil and the more contemporary Ruggero Raimondi, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. Every year the Monte-Carlo Opera presents a season of quality works, many of which are new productions. Since the 2001 opening of the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, Monte-Carlo's state-of-the-art cultural center, the Monte-Carlo Opera also frequently performs in the forum's Salle des Princes and Salle Prince Pierre auditoriums. The company tours the world when not performing in Monaco. The opera season runs from January through March. Tickets go on sale in November.

Date: March
Place: Salle Garnier
Website: www.opera.mc