Monaco Life

Rolando Villazón concert at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo sells out

Renowned Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón is set to perform in Monaco on 24th February in an event so hotly anticipated that tickets have already sold out! 

For one night only, the versatile Villazón, who is also a well-respected author, radio and TV presenter, and stage director, will perform on stage at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

On the programme is a selection of works by Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Verdi, Offenbach and Puccini, and the vocals of Villazón will be accompanied by Conductor Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer and the musicians of the recently founded Swiss Orchestra.  

Villazón’s storied yet varied career started in the 1990s when he was recognised for his vocal talents and awarded the top spot at the Plácido Domingo Operalia Competition.  

From there, he went on to headline shows at major venues around the globe, as well as spread his wings into other creative endeavours.

He recently made a foray into stage direction, with one of his career highlights thus far being the highly successful 2023 rendition of The Barber of Seville in Monaco.    

The upcoming show will be held on 24th February at 8pm. Tickets have officially sold out, but further information on the concert can be found here

Read related: 

Next month at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo: the light, the dark and a sold-out visit from Rolando Villazón

 

 

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Photo source: rolandovillazon.com

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Mountaineer Alasdair Mckenzie leads talk on self-belief and confidence for students in Monaco

A fascinating insight into the role of sport on personal development and how it can help shape a person’s self-belief and confidence was provided by the young Scottish-French mountaineer Alasdair Mckenzie at an event organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation for the benefit of Lycée Albert Ier students in early February. 

In an effort to cultivate a culture of self-improvement amongst Monaco’s youth, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation organised a conference on the theme of self-betterment through the intersecting lenses of sports and education on Thursday 8th February. 

Students from all age groups at the Lycée Albert Ier were invited to attend the conference, which was led by the thoroughly impressive Alasdair Mckenzie, a 19-year-old athlete with numerous mountaineering achievements and records already under his belt and a dream of becoming the youngest mountaineer to conquer the world’s famous 14 peaks above 8,000 metres. It is a feat that only 44 climbers in history have achieved.  

In his capacity as an accomplished athlete and a project partner of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Mckenzie’s talk aimed to inspire and motivate Monaco’s students by presenting tangible examples how overcoming challenges and attaining personal goals can help form a stronger sense of self and of self-belief. 

In comments shared on Instagram after the event, a representative for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation said, “[Alasdair Mckenzie’s]journey and the sports challenges he has overcome with determination and perseverance serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation he represents… The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation would like to deeply thank Alasdair for his participation and wishes him all the best for the rest of his adventure.”

 

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Alasdair Mckenzie at the event, photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco

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Explained: France’s taxe d’aménagement for building works and renovations

Here’s everything you need to know about the taxe d’aménagement, the one-off French tax on all residential developments that require a permit, from swimming pools and photovoltaic panels to property extensions and garden sheds.  

The taxe d’aménagement – the development, renovation or conversion tax, depending on the project being carried out – is a one-time-only tax that is applicable to all domestic projects that required a building or development permit to be issued by town planners ahead of works. 

This includes everything from swimming pools to solar panels and wind turbines, and from home extensions and garden sheds above five square metres to the installation of caravans and mobile homes.  

Depending on the type of project, the taxable amount is calculated either per unit or per square metre of developed space.  

Some tariffs are set in stone. For example: caravans and mobile homes will incur a tax of €3,000 per unit, swimming pools are taxed at €250 per square metre, wine turbines above 12 metres in height are taxed at €3,000 per unit, and photovoltaic panels are taxable at €10 per square metre. 

Other developments are taxed according to a municipal rate of between 1% and 20% plus a rate for the department that is set at a maximum of 2.5%. A regional tariff may also be imposed. Combined, these rates are multiplied by the square metres of a project.  

A simulator can be found here.  

HOW TO PAY 

Completed works must be reported within 90 days of the project’s end date via the Votre Espace section of the official taxation website: www.impots.gouv.fr/particulier.  

If the total comes to more than €1,500, it can be broken up into two instalments. The funds raised by the tax typically help finance public facilities and road networks. 

Click here for more information.  

 

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Photo source: Annie Shelmerdine, Unsplash

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Monaco takes 2nd place as Europe’s Best Destination 2024

Monaco’s legendary status as an exceptional destination continues with the Principality ranking as the second best place to travel in Europe in 2024, according to Best Destinations in Europe.

More than one million people from 172 countries voted for their  Best Destinations in Europe, an independent travel website that has been assessing travel trends since 2009.

According to the website, “Monaco makes any experience unique. So unique that no one can claim to have experienced it anywhere else. The Principality of Monaco is undoubtedly like nowhere else”, relaying the Monaco Tourism Board’s current catch-phrase.

Monaco lost out only to Marbella, Spain. In third place is Malta, followed by Geneva, Switzerland, and Batumi, Adjara Region, Georgia rounding out the top five.

Selected for their quality of life, sustainable development, year-round cultural offer, growth in popularity on social networks and their international recognition for campaigns like smart tourism and European Union Green Capital, the 20 most-popular sites will be promoted throughout the year and are authorised to display the coveted title of ‘European Best Destination 2024’.

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RELATED ARTICLE:

Monaco showcased in Times Square, New York, for ‘Like nowhere else’ campaign

 

Photo by Monaco Life

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Property prices at record levels in almost all Monaco neighbourhoods

The average price per square metre in Monaco topped out at a massive €51,418 in 2023, equating to an almost 40% rise in a decade and setting new records in five of the Principality’s most unexpected neighbourhoods.  

The latest annual real estate report from IMSEE, Monaco’s official statistical agency, has just been released, bringing with it a fascinating spread of information on the health and wealth of the Principality’s property market. 

Record prices per square metre 

Among the revelations are the all-time highs recorded per square metre in five of the neighbourhoods in the Principality, a place that has long held the title as the most expensive country in the world for real estate. 

Fontvieille in the west, the Jardin d’Exotique, the Condamine, Les Moneghetti and La Rousse all generated record prices per square metre in 2023.  

The Condamine recorded the sharpest rise – a climb of 19.7% to reach €54,099 and clear the €50,000 mark for the first time in history – while property in Les Moneghetti on the northern border generated prices per square metre of €46,511, up 18.3%.  

The cheapest neighbourhood continues to be the Jardin d’Exotique area, but prices here still rose 10% in 2023 to demand more than €41,600 per square metre. The most expensive remains the sea-facing Larvotto quartier, which demanded a vast €65,857 for each square metre of property, although prices remained below the record €70,414 observed in 2017.  

Across the Principality, only the central Monte-Carlo district, which is home to the famous Carré d’Or of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris, noted a dip. Here, prices fell by 6.2% to €51,628 per square metre.  

The figures for Monaco-Ville, also known as The Rock and as being the location of the Prince’s Palace, are not made publicly available.  

Prices up almost 40% in a decade 

Back in 2014, the first year that IMSEE combined the numbers for new build properties and resales, the average price per square metre in Monaco sat at just over €37,000. This figure rose to its highest point in 2021, when prices came in at close to €52,000, but 2023 isn’t far behind. 

According to data compiled by IMSEE and the Department of Tax Services, the mean price per square metre in Monaco last year was €51,418, equating to a 38% rise in a decade. 

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

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Football: Travel and ticket information ahead of Sunday’s Derby de la Côte d’Azur

Anytime that the Rouge et Blancs take on their Côte d’Azur rivals of OGC Nice, the Derby match always causes much excitement amongst local fans and commentators. 

The upcoming Ligue 1 fixture on Sunday 11st February in Nice’s home stadium is no exception, especially as both teams are close to the top of the league’s standings, with AS Monaco placed fifth behind the second-placed Aigles de Nice.  

Tickets for the match purchased via the AS Monaco office cost as little as €10 and can be bought online here. Once purchased, an e-ticket will be generated and this pass, as well as valid ID, is mandatory in order for fans to gain entry to the stadium. The box office will remain open until 10am on the morning of the fixture unless all tickets are sold out ahead of time.  

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE ALLIANZ RIVIERA 

There is no designated visitors’ parking area at the stadium, but parking is plentiful in and around the site. AS Monaco is also encouraging use of the MuneGo carpooling service.  

Though the game doesn’t start until 8.45pm, the visitor section of the Allianz Riviera stadium will be open from 6.45pm to allow fans to get comfortable. 

In the interests of safety, the relevant authorities have requested that Monaco supporters should avoid the south side of the stadium. Requests of respect for the opposing team, their supporters, the stadium and the local neighbourhood have also been issued.  

Additionally, there is an active AS Monaco WhatsApp group that shares live and up-to-date information on all developments that might concern fans heading to the match. 

 

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A race through history: the conclusion of the 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique

The 2024 edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique has come to an end, with Michel Decremer and Jennifer Hugo clinching the victory in their Opel Ascona 400.

Ahead of the final stage, the famous Nuit de Turini on 6th February, Prince Albert II of Monaco made an appearance on the Quai Albert Ier to wave off the drivers as they prepared to head in the direction of Sospel.

Before the eclectic mix of vehicles left the Principality, however, Prince Albert took his turn behind the wheel of a Deutsch Bonnet Coach Frua, a replica of the very car that Prince Rainier III drove during the Tour de France Automobile in 1953, as he completed a lap of the iconic Monte-Carlo Grand Prix circuit. 

The final leg of the epic rally, which had begun in cities across Europe in late January, saw the fleet take on the Sospel-Col de Turini route. The next step should have been the La Cabanette-Col de Braus portion of racing, but adverse weather conditions forced its cancellation.  

Among the competitors was Daniel Elena, a celebrated Monegasque figure in rallying, who has achieved significant success, notably winning the Monte Carlo Rally seven times alongside Sébastien Loeb.  

Unfortunately for Elena, it wasn’t to be this time as the rally was ultimately won by Michel Decremer and Jennifer Hugo in their Opel Ascona 400. Their consistent performance throughout the stages earned them the top spot and they finished with 960 points to mark Decremer’s second win at the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique.  

Close behind, the team of Schon and Giammarino in an Austin Mini Cooper S secured second place with 1030 points. The third position went to Aiolfi and Merenda in a Lancia Beta Coupe 1800, who finished with 1090 points. 

Click on the images below to see more from the Monaco-hosted section of the event: 

 

 

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Photo credits: Michael Alesi / Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

 

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Monegasque swimmer Lisa Pou qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics

24-year-old Monegasque swimmer Lisa Pou has qualified for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games after finishing just seven seconds behind the race winner of the 10km open water swim in Doha.  

Originally from France, Pou is a naturalised Monegasque citizen and regularly competes in the colours of the Principality for the AS Monaco Natation club.  

She rose to prominence by winning the 10km event at the Martinique Open in April 2022. That victory earned her qualification for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, in the summer of 2023.  

She went on to win the Prom’Swim in Nice’s Baie des Anges in October and picked up two bronze medals in the 800m and 1,500m Freestyle events the following month at the French National Championships.  

Most recently, however, at the World Swimming Championships in Doha, Pou secured a ninth-place finish in the challenging 10km open water event. By coming in the Top 13, the result has won her qualification for the Paris Olympics, which will begin on 26th July.  

The Doha event was a close one, with 24-year-old Pou finishing just seven seconds behind the race winner, Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands.  

Pou’s qualification for the Olympics makes her to first Monegasque to ever represent the Principality in this discipline.  

 

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Photo source: Dunkerque Natation, Facebook 

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Basketball: AS Monaco overpower closest Betclic Elite rivals LDLC ASVEL

In a clash that pitted the two frontrunners of France’s Betclic Elite basketball league against each other, AS Monaco came out on top with a convincing 89-71 victory over Lyon’s LDLC ASVEL. The result solidifies the Roca Team’s status at the top and extends their unbeaten run at home to 11 games. 

On Tuesday 6th February, AS Monaco showcased why they are the team to beat in the Betclic Elite by delivering a strong performance against Lyon-Villeurbanne (LDLC ASVEL) that concluded 89-71. 

Going into the game, AS Monaco had been just two points ahead of their closest rivals in the domestic league after a recent setback over the weekend that saw the Rouges et Blancs lose out to Bourg-en-Bresse. 

See more: Sports round-up: Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella watch on as Roca Team seal EuroLeague victory 

Starting evenly with a first-quarter tie at 21, AS Monaco seized control after halftime through aggressive tactics and strategic play. Mike James stood out, contributing 17 points, four rebounds and five assists to once again affirm his key role in Monaco’s offense. 

Élie Okobo also shined for Monaco, with a solid 14 points, three rebounds and an evaluation of 18 to his name. The positive result was further enhanced by Matthew Strazel and Alpha Diallo, who contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. 

Post-match, Coach Saša Obradović remarked on AS Monaco’s performance: “We lacked energy in the first half, we were soft in attack. In the second half, we made the effort and that allowed us to make a difference.”  

This victory marks Monaco’s eighth win in eight encounters against LDLC ASVEL. 

While the attention of both teams will now be on the EuroLeague, with 18th-placed LDLC ASVEL heading to Spain to face Baskonia on Thursday 8th February and fifth-placed AS Monaco set to visit Bologna on Friday 9th February, the two teams will meet again in less than a week for the Round of 16 in the French Cup. 

The game will take place in the Salle Gaston Médecin on Tuesday 13th February at 8pm. Click here for tickets.

 

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket, Facebook 

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New restaurant: Croquettes, vol-au-vents, French fries… get into the Belgian spirit at Smakelijk!

Belgium has come to Monaco with the opening of Smakelijk! – an authentic Belgian brasserie in the heart of Le Meridien Beach Plaza offering the best of this northern European cuisine.

From waffles to beer, fries to chocolate, Belgian food is some of the most mouth-watering in the world.

It is for this reason that General Manager Vincent Clinckemaillie and Culinary Director Chef Laurent Colin decided to transport Belgian cuisine 800 kilometres south to the Principality of Monaco, creating the first ever authentic Belgium brasserie at the Le Meridien Beach Plaza.

“The idea is to be very authentic and genuine,” Clinckemaillie told Monaco Life during a recent press lunch. “We have Belgian food, but we’ve also taken the Belgian hospitality. It’s all about friendship, authenticity, and simple but good food.”

Authentic Belgian cuisine in Monaco

Smakelijk, pronounced smaak-lek and meaning Bon Appétit in Flemish, aims to take guests on a culinary journey that is both familiar and exotic.

This journey should always begin with croquettes – a stand-out dish at Smakelijk that includes both grey shrimp and cheese croquettes. The tomatoes stuffed with shrimps and mayonnaise is another classic that you’ll find on any top-10 foodie list for Brussels. Grey shrimp are tiny yet flavourful, and hold a special place in the heart of Belgium’s seafood tradition.

The croquettes at Smaklejk are a signature dish of this chic new Belgium Brasserie. Photo by Monaco Life

Another menu highlight is the Liège meatballs, hailing from the south of Brussels, which are surprisingly sweet, sour and light; while the mussels in garlic and parsley sauce is always a crowd pleaser.

Chef Laurent Colin and his team have taken the best of Belgian cuisine and added a slight Mediterranean touch. For example, the humble ‘Eel in the Green’ dish is recreated here using cod fish, served on top of a vibrant, herby green sauce that is finished with vegetables.

Every good restaurant needs a signature dish, and both Vincent Clinckemaillie and Chef Colin agree that that it is the vol-au-vent – a famous, deliciously flaky pastry filled with chicken, cream sauce and mushrooms, and theatrically finished table-side with a burst of creamy sabayon. There are three variations here – the classic, a vegetarian option, and a gastronomic version featuring confit duck and pan-fried foie gras because this is, after all, Monaco.

Served alongside most dishes are fries – Belgium’s national pride – which are lovingly recreated according to tradition. Freshly-cut potatoes are cooked twice, firstly blanched to cook the inside, then deep fried in beef fat to cook the outside. The result is perfectly crispy, flavourful fries that are served with an array of sauces, like garlicky aioli and spicy samurai, promising a flavour-bomb with each dip.

The desserts at Smakelijk are equally decadent and comforting: the Brussels waffle served with chocolate and whipped cream; crème brûlée with vanilla from Madagascar; Callebaut hot chocolate soufflé; and speculoos cheesecake are among the proud ambassadors that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Getting the tick of approval

The Belgians are among the top five most prominent nationalities in Monaco, so there’s a certain amount of pressure on Vincent Clinckemaillie – who is not from Belgium – to get this right.

So, about a month before opening, and leaving nothing to chance, the general manager of just over a year took his team on a journey of discovery to Brussels.

“We visited the Grand-Place, we had a guide explain to us the whole story of how Belgium was built and the origins of the gastronomy; we tasted real croquettes and vol-au-vents in the city, and we had dinner with the ‘King of French Fries’ – the biggest seller in Brussels – who gave us some advice,” says Clinckemaillie.

“And I can say that we are not far off the best that we tasted in Brussels,” adds Chef Colin confidently.

The real test will come on 8th February, when Monaco’s Belgian community come together for a private gathering at Smakelijk.

“We really want to have the blessing of the Belgian community,” says Clinckemaillie.

Art nouveau style brasserie

Like the menu that is steeped in tradition, the brasserie itself has been inspired by yesteryear, but enhanced with a nouveau twist. Adjamé design studio has put together a décor that is full of character: a harmonious mix and match between kitsch and contemporary with leather booths, vibrant colours, striped prints and second-hand service consoles enhancing the vibe of this new gourmet adventure.

A taste of discovery with every sipserie

The epicurean exploration of Belgium continues with a curated selection of Belgian beers with infinite nuances of flavour: bitter, floral, citrus, spicy, herbal, fruity…

Head sommelier Jonathan Durante has also created an exclusive list of wines with a Brussels accent. Wine lovers are encouraged to discover new vintages and crus from the Gudule Winery, which produces only 100% organic wines.

It tastes good

Smakelijk is a wonderful celebration of Belgian gastronomy, of cheeky indulgences and the joys that only fries cooked in beef fat can bring. The motto: “ça goûte bien” (it tastes good) is all that matters here, and for a place like Monaco, there is welcome comfort in that philosophy.

Smakelijk offers continuous service from 12pm to 11pm. Starters are priced from €14, mains from €22 and desserts from €14. A special lunch menu includes starter, main, water and coffee for €26.

See more in our Instagram reel below…

 

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Main photo: Culinary Director Chef Laurent Colin (left) and Le Meridien Beach Plaza General Manager Vincent Clinckemaillie 

 

 

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Monaco’s Winter Carnival returns to the city’s markets

It’s carnival month and Monaco is getting into the spirit with the return of the Winter Carnival celebrations to be held at the Principality’s markets.

The Monaco Mairie is organising a series of events on Wednesday 14th February for children and adults at the Monte-Carlo and Condamine markets, including stilt walkers, balloon animals, make-up workshops, giant bubbles and more.

To make the party as fun as possible, the public is encouraged to come dressed up.

“As an elected official, I consider that the organisation of these Winter Carnivals in our two markets is essential for our country because they strengthen our social fabric, stimulate the local economy and celebrate our unique cultural heritage,” says Axelle Amalberti Verdino, local councillor in charge of Entertainment and Leisure. “It is also important to point out that it has been a long time since Monaco organised a winter carnival in the city, which is a shame for a city of our size.”

Festivities kick off on 14th February from 11.15am and run to 2pm. Entertainment is free and open to all.

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Chemical spill forces evacuation of Charles III College

A chlorine spill at the swimming pool of Charles III College has sent a group of students and staff to hospital and lead to the evacuation of the school.

The accident occurred at around 10am Wednesday morning as technicians were undertaking a routine maintenance of the school’s swimming pool. A chemical reaction is said to have generated toxic vapours that spread to the classrooms, with students in 6e and 5e classes particularly affected.

According to the Monaco government, two maintenance staff and five students were taken to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre and released without concern.

“As a precautionary measure, a partial evacuation of the school building was ordered,” said the government.

School is expected to return to normal on Thursday.

 

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Photo source: Monaco Government

 

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New distinction for Blue Bay restaurant and Chef Marcel Ravin

Just ahead of its grand reopening, the two Michelin starred Blue Bay restaurant has joined the prestigious Grandes Tables du Monde club, in what is another major coup for Chef Marcel Ravin and Monte-Carlo SBM.

The Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort gained its first Michelin star in 2015 and a second in 2022.

On Sunday 4th February, its latest distinction was awarded at the 68th Congress of Grandes Tables du Monde, a prestigious ‘club’ that represents and promotes the world’s best restaurants.

The event, held at the Lasserre restaurant in Paris, saw the introduction of 17 new members including the Blue Bay. The restaurant now joins an exclusive list that includes the three Michelin starred Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, the three Michelin-starred Mirazur in Menton, and the two-starred La Chèvre d’Or in Eze.

In accepting the award, Marcel Ravin said he was proud and honoured to join the prestigious association, and took the opportunity to announce the reopening of his restaurant on 14th February, after a five-month transformation.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

The Blue Bay metamorphosis

According to Monte-Carlo SBM, owner of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, the Blue Bay transformation is the culmination of a dream for Martinican Chef Marcel Ravin, a story that began to be written with the cooking and tableware, and which is enriched today by the creation of a link between the plate and its environment, in a setting that enhances the cuisine as much as the service.

“The new Blue Bay – Marcel Ravin is an ode to life, nature and the richness of the Caribbean, with a new immersive gastronomic experience, and a completely revisited menu,” says the group. “A true restaurant within a restaurant, La Table de Marcel offers a new, even more exclusive experience reserved for eight guests. The Blue Bay – Marcel Ravin is a culinary journey, at the heart of the gastronomic renewal of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group.”

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Photo of Chef Marcel Ravin source: Monte-Carlo SBM

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A glimpse behind the curtain: exploring the visionary behind the Monte-Carlo Acting Academy

Monaco Life offers a behind-the-scenes look at Gabriele Greggio, the creative force behind Monaco’s first ever English-speaking acting academy.

Gabriele Greggio, son of celebrated comedian Ezio Greggio, launched Monaco’s first English-speaking acting academy on 8th January, combining his passion for the arts with educational innovation. The 29-year-old brings with him a solid foundation in acting education from prestigious institutions in London and New York – a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is now channelling into Monaco.

Gabriele’s mission is to establish a sanctuary for people of all ages to delve into the diverse realm of acting. He candidly reflects, “My passion for acting has been a constant… Yet, it was my deep fascination with mastering this art form and expressing myself through it that truly captivated me.”

Born in Milan and living in Monaco since the age of three, Gabrielle had his own battles with stuttering, but he sees it not as an obstacle but as a catalyst for his unwavering resolve.

Gabriele Greggio in an acting role

A vision for empathy

Gabriele Greggio says that his academy curriculum is deeply influenced by his global acting education, integrating methods that played a pivotal role in his own growth. Beyond addressing issues such as stuttering or stage fright, his teaching approach emphasises the cultivation of empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration among students.

With a rich background that includes collaborations with prominent entities like the BBC, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, Gabriele aims to give his students practical insights from the industry. “I draw upon a broad spectrum of methods, incorporating those that have significantly impacted my development,” he explains.

Gabriele Greggio reveals that real-world experience, including upcoming roles in projects like ‘The Mallorca Files’ and ‘William Tell’, shapes his teaching philosophy. He underscores the importance of grasping industry intricacies, from auditions to fostering connections with agents and casting directors. “Embracing mistakes is pivotal; they are the stepping stones to mastering the craft,” Gabriele emphasises.

The Monte-Carlo Acting Academy.

Building blocks of acting

The core values of Monaco’s new acting academy centre on nurturing creativity and self-discovery, even for the shy or uncertain ones. Gabriele, drawing from his own experiences, affirms, “Being shy is not a bad thing… We all have that necessity to be heard and loved and to express ourselves,” highlighting the transformative power of acting to unleash one’s inner potential.

Creating an environment of respect and mutual support is paramount in Gabriele’s vision. He aims to foster a space where students feel safe to explore their craft and learn from each other, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in the actor’s toolkit. “Without empathy and without understanding the other actor or student, you can’t learn and work as an actor,” he notes.

Bravery, introspection, and the delight found in artistic creation are also among his core values. “Beyond the shadow of fear lies the light of joy… Embracing your true self, with all its vulnerabilities, is not just acceptable, it’s essential,” he reflects, capturing the essence of the experience he aims to provide for his students.

“Every role is important”

Gabriele credits Monaco for its profound influence on his academy, acknowledging its vibrant culture and supportive community as pivotal in shaping the academy’s unique atmosphere. “After 29 years here, it really has become my home,” he says, expressing his deep connection to Monaco and his desire to contribute to its artistic legacy.

His favourite films are ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ which represent the depth and emotional truth of acting he aims to instil in his students. And his dream role? “I think the next role is always the best one… Every role is important,” he says.

Gabriele hopes that his forward-thinking teaching approach will secure his academy’s relevance in the evolving world of the arts. He emphasises personal growth and empathy as the driving forces for the future of acting. “The best way for us to evolve is to look inwards and outwards… That’s how we evolve. That’s how I think acting and cinema and storytelling gets better,” Gabriele says, underscoring the lasting impact of the performing arts.

The Monte-Carlo Acting Academy provides acting courses in Monaco for all age groups, offering both six-week sessions and two-week intensives designed to fit around school holidays and the academic year. For more information, click here: Home | Monte-Carlo Acting Academy (montecarloactingacademy.com)

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Prince Albert Foundation funds university scolarships to cultivate sustainable leaders of tomorrow

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has entered into a new collaboration with Spain’s IE University, one of the first carbon neutral universities in Europe, to empower global leaders in sustainability.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in collaboration with IE University, a popular choice amongst students from Monaco to continue their studies, has announced a scholarship program aimed at nurturing the next generation of environmental and social changemakers.

Under this new collaboration, two scholarships will be offered annually for students accepted into full-time Master’s programs at IE University, covering up to 65% of tuition expenses.

The initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals eager to make an impact in sustainability, equality, and environmental conservation.

Candidates are expected to have an outstanding academic record and a demonstrated dedication to building a greener, more equitable world. Preference is given to applicants who can show financial need or who hail from developing countries, as part of the program’s inclusivity focus and its aim to empower voices from varied backgrounds.

The selection committee is composed of members from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, IE Foundation, and IE Sustainability Office. Recipients of the scholarship join the prestigious IE Foundation Fellows Program, enhancing their educational experience and professional connections.

IE University is one of the first ‘carbon neutral’ universities in Europe, and has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, cutting scope 1 and 2 CO2 equivalent emissions by 50% per square meter of campus.

“The continuous effort and commitment inside and out of the classroom from each one of our community members – our professors, staff, and over 8,000 students from more than 140 countries – has been and will continue to be key,” said Isabela del Alcázar, Global Head of Sustainability at IE University.

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Photo credit: Monaco Life

Prince Albert Foundation funds university scolarships to cultivate sustainable leaders of tomorrow

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has entered into a new collaboration with Spain’s IE University, one of the first carbon neutral universities in Europe, to empower global leaders in sustainability.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in collaboration with IE University, a popular choice amongst students from Monaco to continue their studies, has announced a scholarship program aimed at nurturing the next generation of environmental and social changemakers.

Under this new collaboration, two scholarships will be offered annually for students accepted into full-time Master’s programs at IE University, covering up to 65% of tuition expenses.

The initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals eager to make an impact in sustainability, equality, and environmental conservation.

Candidates are expected to have an outstanding academic record and a demonstrated dedication to building a greener, more equitable world. Preference is given to applicants who can show financial need or who hail from developing countries, as part of the program’s inclusivity focus and its aim to empower voices from varied backgrounds.

The selection committee is composed of members from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, IE Foundation, and IE Sustainability Office. Recipients of the scholarship join the prestigious IE Foundation Fellows Program, enhancing their educational experience and professional connections.

IE University is one of the first ‘carbon neutral’ universities in Europe, and has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, cutting scope 1 and 2 CO2 equivalent emissions by 50% per square meter of campus.

“The continuous effort and commitment inside and out of the classroom from each one of our community members – our professors, staff, and over 8,000 students from more than 140 countries – has been and will continue to be key,” said Isabela del Alcázar, Global Head of Sustainability at IE University.

Join the Monaco Life community – sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, and follow us on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok

Photo credit: Monaco Life

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