The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

Since its creation in 1856, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra has entertained a wide audience, including both adults and children, constantly re-inventing itself.

About the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Thanks to its ability to juggle both tradition and modernity, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra plays a leading role by performing major symphonic works, reviving rare and contemporary pieces, and producing lyric and choreographical creations. The Orchestra works in collaboration with the Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Opera and the Printemps des Arts. It also organises cinema-themed concerts, with internationally renowned cinematographic works such as Walt Disney’s Fantasia, or Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings.

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic travels occasionally to take part in major festivals overseas or to perform in every part of the globe, with the aim of establishing itself as one of the world’s foremost international orchestras.
Under the Presidency of the Princess of Hanover, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra enjoys the support and encouragement of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, whose priorities it shares closely, aiming to preserve its authenticity while looking firmly to the future, with a dynamic policy endorsed by the Prince’s Government, and reaffirming its commitment to the cultural life of the Principality.  

History
A nascent orchestra first began to take shape in 1856. It gradually attracted more and more artists from Paris, eventually forming the Orchestra du Nouveau Cercle des Étrangers (literally the “New Foreigners’ Circle Orchestra”). It adopted the name it bears today in 1980, and has since enjoyed a prominent place on the international musical stage.  

Artistic and Musical Directors of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra from 1918 to the present day
Kazuki YAMADA (2016 to present)
Gianluigi GELMETTI (2012-2016)
Yakov KREIZBERG (2008-2011)
Marek JANOWSKI (2000-2005)
James DEPREIST (1994-1998)
Gianluigi GELMETTI (1990-1992)
Lawrence FOSTER (1980-1990)
Lovro VON MATACIC (1972-1979)
Igor MARKEVITCH (1967-1972)
Edouard van REMOORTEL (1965-1967)
Louis FRÉMAUX (1956-1965)
No director between 1947 and 1956
Henri TOMASI (1946-1947)
No director between 1933 and 1947
Paul PARAY (1928-1933)
No director between 1918 and 1928
Victor de SABATA (1918-1930)

The OPMC Classics label
The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s label was created in October 2010 by then artistic and musical director Yakov KREIZBERG, who sadly passed away in March 2011. 
Between October 2010 and May 2011, the OPMC Classics label released three records made during the national celebrations to mark the Centenary of the Ballets Russes de Monte-Carlo, conducted by Yakov Kreizberg himself and including performances of: Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Ravel, Debussy, Mussorgsky, Borodin, and others. Two further recordings were releases in 2012, Shostakovich’s Symphony n° 11 and Mahler’s Symphony n° 5. These recordings received several awards from the musical press.

Concerts at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
During the summer, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the Prince’s Palace in the royal courtyard, the Cour d’Honneur. The idea came about in 1959, in the reign of Prince Rainier III, reviving a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. At that time, the Princes of Monaco regularly “gave music” in the Palace courtyard.  

To find out more about Concerts at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

https://www.opmc.mc/

OPMC Kazuki YAMADA © JC Vinaj – OPMC