From 9 November to 4 December 2022, the Principality becomes the focus of the jazz world with the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival in the unique setting of the Opéra
Garnier. The festival promises a blend of tradition and new musical inspirations from every corner of the world, with an emphasis on creativity.
Founded in 2006 at the behest of well-known jazz fan Jean-René Palacio, the festival brings together some of the biggest names in jazz at the Opéra Garnier.
One of the most winter's most important cultural events
In keeping with the wishes of its founder, the Monte-Carlo Jazz
Festival is always held in November. The choice is not random one. Jean-René Palacio wanted an event that would complement the artistic season at the Salle Garnier, which lacked a winter event in the Principality and a festival dedicated to jazz music.
The aim was to take up residence in a unusual setting, for a celebration of contemporary music like jazz or rock.
From the start, over a hundred of the top names in jazz performed at the Opéra Garnier, including Herbie Hancock, Gregory Porter, Chick Corea, Diana Krall, Sonny
Rollins, and Mélody Gardot.
A springboard
The festival puts lesser known artists in the spotlight, giving them the opportunity to introduce a wider audience to their talents.
Many of them have gone on to become major stars of the jazz scene, such as Avishai Cohen, Raoul Midon, Roy
Hargrove, and Esperanza Spalding.
Not forgetting, of course, the trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, who made his breakthrough at the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival in 2012 and performed at the Bercy concert arena in Paris in 2016.
Opening up to other styles of music…
To attract a wider audience, the organisers invite artists with little or no connection to jazz. Their aim is to bring jazz to the masses. The Festival is open to every style of music, but never compromises its core identity.
In the past, the likes of David Hallyday, Christophe, and Quebecois singer Robert Charlesbois have all performed in the Principality during the Festival.
The line-up for 2022
For this 16th edition, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival is aiming to be more eclectic than ever with Redman,
Mehldau, Mcbride, Blade: A Moodswing Reunion, a masterclass by Alex Jaffray,
Jethro Tull, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Richard Bona & Alfredo Rodriguez, Magma and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Cécile McLorin Salvant &
Sullivan Fortner, Sofiane Pamart, a screening by the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco, Melody Gardot, Anouar Brahem Quartet, Richard Galliano, and Chilly Gonzales who, all through the magic of jazz, show that this style of music is as vibrant as ever.
For details of the event in the Agenda, click HERE.
© Société
des Bains de Mer Monte-Carlo/Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival/Christophe
Abramowitz/Ray Cabello/DR