Cultural milestones and momentous events mark Monaco’s 2010 calendar with celebrations in the Principality AND the United States…
SPRING
Special U.S. Screenings of the Much-Anticipated Film Océans
Following its world premiere at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Award Gala in the Principality in October 2009, Monaco continues to support the much-anticipated film, Océans, directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, with special screenings planned for New York, Chicago and other U.S. cities in April 2010…
A true technological and scientific adventure, Océans is the breathtaking result of three years of filming under the deep seas around the globe. The film is not only a moving account of the wonders of nature but also an alarming report on the dangers that threaten it.
The film opens in the United States on Earth Day, April 22, 2010.
www.oceans-lefilm.com
SUMMER
The Little Singers of Monaco Return to the U.S. for a Summer Tour of the East Coast
The award-winning troupe was founded in 1974 by Prince Rainier III to showcase the Principality’s historic association with culture and the performing arts. It is part of the Monaco Cathedral Choir and is composed of talented children as young as eight years old, who have passed rigorous examinations to be admitted into the prestigious ensemble.
Known especially for their repertoire of works written for children, the Little Singers have visited over 35 nations around the world and have performed for numerous Heads of State. Because of the generous support of the Monégasque government, the choir is able to donate its talents to concerts organized on behalf of humanitarian associations worldwide.
On previous visits to New York, events organized by the Consulate General of Monaco for the choir have included a live performance on NBC’s Today Show (1999), a rendition of God Bless America at Yankee Stadium and a concert in Bryant Park (2002), among many others.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES…
Fifth Anniversary of H.S.H. Prince Albert’s Accession to the Throne
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II succeeded His Father Rainier III who died on April 6, 2005.
The ceremonies to mark His investiture took place on July 12, 2005 in Monaco, marking the end of a three-month mourning period.
Events planned to mark the anniversary are yet to be announced.
100th Anniversary of Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum
Inaugurated on March 29, 1910 by its founder Prince Albert I, this exceptional museum of marine sciences is a monumental architectural masterpiece with a grandiose façade rising majestically above the sea to a height of 279 feet. It took 11 year to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from La Turbie.
Born in 1848, Prince Albert I dedicated much of his life to the study of the sea and oceans. After a career in the military and the navy, he decided to pursue his interest in science, becoming a pioneer of oceanography. He established the Oceanographic Museum to host and display the specimen he collected on his expeditions, provide researchers with facilities and resources, and educate the public at large – goals that remain the museum’s vocation today.
www.oceano.mc
10th Anniversary of the Grimaldi Forum
The Grimaldi Forum Monaco (family name of Monaco’s ruling Prince Albert II) opened for meetings, in September 2000. The daylight-filled building on the sea is an engineering miracle. Built on land reclaimed from the sea, 500 cubic meters of water are pumped out per hour, generating energy to heat and cool the bulding, but not damaging sea life in any way.
Its 1,800-seat auditorium with a stage and a balcony for 500 is used for ballet and opera performances, as well as meetings, and has become a new center of culture for the Principality. Two other auditoriums seat 800 and 400.
This year’s summer exhibit, “Kyoto-Tokyo – From Samurais to Mangas” will be held July 14 through September 12. This exhibition in the Espace Ravel will be an invitation to travel through space and time to the heart of a Japan that has left the imprint of its history on three emblematic places: Kyoto, Tokyo and the historic Tokaido, the road linking the old and new capitals. Emphasizing the links between the traditional culture rooted in 8th-century Kyoto and the artistic forms of expression found in modern-day Japan, it will enthrall those fond of traditional Japanese culture and the generation that has grown up with the fictional worlds of Mangas, animated films and hi-tech phenomena, the descendants of that ancient culture.
www.grimaldiforum.com
50th Monte-Carlo International Television Festival
The annual Monte-Carlo TV Festival was established by Prince Rainier III to recognize television as an exceptional means of bringing cultures together and enhancing their respective knowledge. This project immediately generated worldwide interest and over the years, many distinguished writers, directors, producers, actors, technicians and celebrities have sat on the successive juries, bringing international recognition to the best of the world’s television programming.
The 50th edition will take place June 6 through 10 at the Grimaldi Forum.
www.tvfestival.com
100 Years of The Ballets Russes
In 2010, the Principality of Monaco continues to salute the magic, vision, dynamism and pioneering spirit of Serge Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes in original tribute programs bringing together world-renowned artists from a variety of cultures in a comprehensive series of dance and musical performances, exhibitions, films, an academic conference, as well as assorted artistic activities showcasing the origins, development and long-term influence of the Ballets Russes since debuting in 1909.
Highlights of the 2010 festivities are the Summer program of the Monte-Carlo Ballet and the Monaco Dance Forum on the Casino Terraces from July 3-25.
www.ballets-russes-monaco-com
For more 2010 Monaco events, visit www.visitmonaco.com
