Since January 1879 the Opéra de Monte-Carlo outline is a well recognised symbol in the Principality landscape . This monument sprung from the fertile imagination of its architect, Charles Garnier, who had just acquired fame thanks to the construction of the Paris Opera that took him fourteen years to realise, during which the Empire gave way to a Republic. Even though Monaco provided him with abundant means to fulfil his task, timing was, however, more constrained. Thus, the masterpiece was erected in a matter of only nine months!
In 1893, during his first lyrical season, Raoul Gunsbourg presented Hector Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust , in a world premiere scenic version.
While the best productions of various opera houses with star studded casts have been programmed at the Opera of Monte Carlo, world premières have been numerous and significant.
Several composers presented their world creations, namely Massenet, Saint-Saëns, Fauré, Puccini, Ravel, etc. Amongst their works: Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame, Don Quixote, Penelope, La Rondine and L'Enfant et les Sortilèges.
Monaco's charm, added to the pleasure of singing in such a vocal showcase as the Opera of Monte Carlo, has attracted many celebrities. Just to name a few: la Patti, la Melba, Caruso, Tamagno and more recently, Raimondi, Pavarotti, Domingo, Alagna and Gheorghiu.
All the productions presented at the Opera of Monte Carlo have, throughout the seasons, benefited from a first-class orchestra, directed by the most renowned conductors.
Today, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra performs both in concert and at the Opera with the quality that is widely recognised by the musical world.
Renovation work has deprived us of the Salle Garnier from 2003 to 2006; during this period performances took place in other venues. Nowadays, thanks to architects Alain-Charles Perrot and Rainier Boisson with their teams, Salle Garnier has regained its splendour and prestige.
It was in fact inaugurated on November 16, 2005 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II who, three days later, saw Rossini's Viaggio a Reims, an opera expressly composed for the coronation of Charles X.
