Alicia Keys, the famous pianist
and singer-songwriter from New York, will be the ambassador of the 73rd Monaco
Red Cross Gala, performing live on stage on the Place du Casino Monte-Carlo on
18 July 2022.
History of the Monaco Red Cross Ball
In 1948 the young Prince Rainier III of Monaco chaired the first Gala of
the Monaco Red Cross, an organisation which had just been established by Prince
Louis II of Monaco. The principle, of course, was to contribute to funding
activity faithful to the spirit of the great humanist, Henry Dunant. That year,
the star was none other than Maurice Chevalier. But each year, the programme
rivals it in glamour, hosting a Christian Dior fashion show in 1952 and Zizi
Jeanmaire in 1953.
In 1957, the Gala took up residence at the
illustrious Salle des Etoiles, with unique performances by celebrated artists
every summer, compèred by equally famous hosts. The tombola is always one of
the highlights of the evening, with much excitement as the guests wait to see
who will win the prestigious prizes.
In 2021, the Monaco Red Cross underwent a stunning transformation. H.S.H.
Prince Albert II was keen for this grand celebration of generosity to take
place on the Place du Casino. Last year, British singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum
lit up the iconic square with his wonderful jazz music, and this year the
leading lady will be America’s Alicia Keys. A temporary stage will be set up on the Place du Casino which will turn it into a veritable open-air
auditorium for the 2,000 guests in attendance.
Every year, spectators and guests of the Monaco Red Cross flock to this
distinguished event in a powerful show of solidarity.
Princess Grace’s Presidency
Ten years after its inauguration, the Gala of the Monaco Red Cross had a change
of President… this time a woman: Princess Grace of Monaco. Under Her
presidency, the Gala hosted such glamorous names as Ella Fitzgerald (1959),
Sammy Davis Jr. (1961), Charles Trenet (1962), Sacha Distel (1963), Gilbert
Bécaud (1968), Charles Aznavour (1970) and Shirley Bassey (1971).
Josephine Baker’s Comeback
1974 marked an important stage: the Gala took place in the new Monte-Carlo
Sporting Club, providing a brand new stage for a great star making her final
comeback: Josephine Baker. At the age of 68, totally broke, she returned to the
stage a few months before her death.
In this new setting, Line Renaud (1975), Enrico Macias (1977), Gloria Gaynor
(1979) and Franck Sinatra (1980) each took their turn…
In 1982, Princess Grace’s accidental death brought her son, Prince Albert, to
take up the torch and it was under His Presidency that the Gala of the Monaco
Red Cross welcomed Elton John (1984), Liza Minnelli (1989), Tina Turner (1980),
Stevie Wonder (1994) and Lionel Richie (2004).
More than sixty years after its establishment, the Gala of the Monaco Red Cross
remains an institution which is very much alive, hosting a living legend for
its 2011 edition: Joe Cocker…
Charitable Action Par Excellence
This fabulous evening enables the Monaco Red Cross to express its gratitude
to its generous donors, and pay tribute to the action undertaken with the help
of the donations received: a means of funding its local and international activity.
The artworks of the Monaco Red Cross
Over the last 30 years or more, the Monaco Red
Cross has acquired a quite exceptional collection of artworks, illustrating the
values of the organisation. The collection includes unique pieces created by
world-renowned artists and donated specially for the annual Gala.
While some of the works are displayed at the
headquarters of the Monaco Red Cross, others have been moved to a temporary
exhibition at the HQ of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) under
an agreement between the Monaco Red Cross and the IFRC.
For further information, go to the official site of the Monaco Red Cross.
Explore all the videos of the Monaco Red Cross Gala!