Forest fires are raging through the Valparaíso region of Chile, leaving a path of death and destruction in their wake. In response, Prince Albert has sent a letter of sympathy and condolence to the leaders and the people on behalf of the Principality.
The wildfires in the Valparaíso region of Chile have reportedly claimed 131 so far, with hundreds still missing and thousands of homes burned to the ground.
President Gabriel Boric has called it “the worst catastrophe to hit the country since the earthquake of 27 February 2010”.
Thankfully, the fires, which officials are speculating were intentionally lit, are starting finally to burn themselves out, but not before five days of destruction that began of 2nd February.
PRINCE’S SYMPATHY
Prince Albert expressed his concern for the Chileans in a written communique to the country’s President.
“Deeply shocked by the persistence of the forest fires in the centre and south of your country and their deadly consequences on your people and nature, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims,” he said.
“My family and the people of Monaco join me in addressing our thoughts and prayers to the people affected by this tragedy. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the emergency services who are struggling to contain the fires, and those who put their own lives in danger to help communities in need. Be assured, Mr. President, of our sense of profound solidarity in these difficult times.”
DEVASTATION AMID WORSENING CONDITIONS
The fires blazed in an area inland of the nation’s capital city, Valparaíso, with heavy smoke pouring into the coastal retreat of Viña del Mar and the town of Quilpué.
The flames were helped by strong winds which saw tinder-dry terrain going up in a matter of minutes on hillsides, and are reported to have started in four different locations.
“These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Rodrigo Mundaca, governor of the affected region, said. “Authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.”
A new facility dedicated to treating and understanding hearing and balance issues has been opened in Fontvieille by the former head of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace’s otorhinolaryngology department.
Despite nearing retirement age, Doctor Pierre Lavagna is showing no signs of slowing down.
The former department head at CHPG’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit, he recently decided to take his vast expertise and put it to use for the local community with the opening of Otoneuro Monaco, a new care centre for hearing and balance disorders.
A top of the range space
The office opened in January at the Athos Palace in Fontvieille and is a soothing environment by any standard: pod-like sofas, light wood walls and neutral colours welcome patients into a well-lit and modern facility whose cosiness belies the high-tech inner workings.
Otoneuro Monaco is the first otoneurology facility to offer an innovative new bimodal neuromodulation treatment for issues such as tinnitus
Otoneuro is equipped with such state-of-the-art tools as virtual reality masks, hearing test rooms and a special chair made specifically to test reactions in relation to balance.
Doctor Lavagna is also offering a new treatment option for the once-untreatable disorder of tinnitus and similar issues. The bimodal neuromodulation approach involves the stimulation of a patient’s tongue with an electrode over half-hour sessions, which allows the team at Otoneuro to “permanently reprogramme the auditory brain areas”. Lavagna says the treatment provides some, if not total, relief in 90% of the patients he sees.
Otoneuro is the first otoneurology facility to be authorised by the makers of the equipment, an Irish company called Lenire, to prescribe this type of treatment in France and Italy.
Additionally, the team at Otoneuro are actively involved in research projects and work in collaboration with complementary practitioners to ensure people suffering with symptoms of not only of tinnitus but other issues such as deafness, hyperacusis and vertigo are given the best possible results.
“A centre with this level of equipment, with the medical quality and the skills of very high-level audiologists, is almost unique in Europe,” said Doctor Lavagna in an interview with Monaco Matin. “In France, we see a real deficit in this care offering. Many ENT specialists are trained in surgery, but otoneurology is of less interest and people who need treatment for deafness, tinnitus or balance disorders find themselves lost in diagnostic and therapeutic wanderings. There is an obvious lack of medical provision in this sector.”
Patients are not required to go through their GP for an appointment with Otoneuro, which has English, French and Italian-speaking practioners, and contact can be made directly with the facility.
Hearing assessments cost in the region of €150 while balance-related consultations start at €250. Some of the treatment options available at Otoneuro are covered by insurance, but others are not, so the centre recommends discussing costs with the team before proceeding.
To find out more or to book an appointment, click here.
Prince Albert II has inaugurated a new facility dedicated to treating and understanding hearing and balance issues in Fontvieille. Otoneuro Monaco is lead by the former head of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace’s otorhinolaryngology department.
The former department head at CHPG’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) unit has decided to take his vast expertise and put it to use for the local community with the opening of Otoneuro Monaco, a new care centre for hearing and balance disorders.
The office opened in January at the Athos Palace in Fontvieille and is a soothing environment by any standard: pod-like sofas, light wood walls and neutral colours welcome patients into a well-lit and modern facility whose cosiness belies the high-tech inner workings.
Otoneuro is equipped with state-of-the-art tools including virtual reality masks, hearing test rooms and a special chair made specifically to test reactions in relation to balance.
Doctor Lavagna is also offering a new treatment option for the once-untreatable disorder of tinnitus and similar issues. The bimodal neuromodulation approach involves the stimulation of a patient’s tongue with an electrode over half-hour sessions, which allows the team at Otoneuro to “permanently reprogramme the auditory brain areas”. Lavagna says the treatment provides some, if not total, relief in 90% of the patients he sees.
Otoneuro is the first otoneurology facility to be authorised by the makers of the equipment, an Irish company called Lenire, to prescribe this type of treatment in France and Italy.
Prince Albert is given a tour of the centre’s technology.
During the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday 6th February, lead by Prince Albert II of Monaco, Dr Pierre Lavagna underlined “how lucky I was to be born in a country where our sovereigns, for a long time, have made science and medicine one of their greatest priorities, and thanks to their action allow the emergence of projects of excellence such as the Princess Grace Hospital, the Cardio Thoracic Center, and IM2S. Visionaries like Professor Dor or Dr Philippe Ballerio showed us the way, I modestly try to follow in their footsteps.”
Additionally, the team at Otoneuro are actively involved in research projects and work in collaboration with complementary practitioners to ensure people suffering with symptoms of not only of tinnitus but other issues such as deafness, hyperacusis and vertigo are given the best possible results.
Patients are not required to go through their GP before making appointments, and can directly contact the facility. Assessments for hearing cost around €150 and €250 for balance. Some of the treatment options are covered by insurance, but some are not, so the centre suggests asking about costs before proceeding.
Following an official announcement earlier this week that King Charles III of the United Kingdom has been diagnosed with cancer, Monaco’s Prince Albert II has written a public letter of support to the British monarch.
In the message, Prince Albert writes that he and his family would like to offer their “full support” to the 75-year-old sovereign, adding, “My family and the people of Monaco join me in sending you, the Royal Family and your loved ones our warmest thoughts and prayers.”
65-year-old Prince Albert also praised his contemporary, writing, “Your determination, courage and openness have always been a source of inspiration. I am convinced that you will show the same bravery throughout this challenge.”
Prince Albert and King Charles share a passion for environmental advocacy and conservation as well as a long-established and supportive friendship that has spanned at least five decades.
Prince Albert was reportedly the first European leader to confirm that he would be attending King Charles’ Coronation in May 2023 and was quoted in the press as describing King Charles as “a very educated man and someone with a great sense of humour”.
The Buckingham Palace statement
Buckingham Palace released an official statement on 5th February that confirmed King Charles had recently received a cancer diagnosis. The statement is as follows:
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
A large swathe of Southern France, from the Pyrénées-Orientales in the west to the Alpes-Maritimes in the east, has been placed under a red alert for high pollen levels.
Trees of the Cupressaceae family, such as cypress and juniper, are the main culprits locally in the French Riviera, but the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA), which monitors national pollen levels across France, has also noted elevated levels of ash and alder pollen in the Alpes-Maritimes. In the neigbouring Var, the warnings also cover pollen from hazel trees and the nettle family.
The red alert for pollen emanating from Cupressaceae species has already been in force in the region for two weeks and the situation is likely to continue to grow in intensity, says the RNSA, with mimosa trees also expected to reach full bloom in the coming weeks.
The RNSA runs an interactive map service on its website, as well as a mobile phone app, that notifies the public of changing pollen warnings. Check it out for yourself by clicking here.
As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
There are close to 450,000 new cancer cases detected in France each year and an estimated 185,000 people lost their lives in the fight against the disease in 2022.
On 6th February, it was announced by the French government that the nation’s healthcare service was making a significant shift in its philosophy on cancer screening and, from now on, the registered population will be actively invited to attend regular screenings for three of the most common forms of the disease: breast, cervical and colorectal.
How it works
Under the new system, patients in the public health care system will be sent letters or emails reminding them to book in for screenings depending on their age and the type of cancer being screened for.
Women aged between 50 and 74 can expect to be sent a letter or an email from L’Assurance Maladie every two years asking them to book in for a mammogram and a general physical exam. A reminder about breast cancer screening will be sent out after six months if no action by the patient is taken, and again six months later. The service is fully covered by health insurance.
Cervical cancer screenings, meanwhile, are targeted at women aged 25 to 65, but are structured differently depending on age. For those aged 25 to 29, there will be two initial baseline tests taken one year apart. If the results of both are normal, a review will be undertaken three years later. For those aged 30 and older, the screening is recommended every five years until the age of 65. The same reminder service will be employed by L’Assurance Maladie and 70% of the cost will be covered by insurance. In many cases, a mutuelle will cover the remaining amount.
Colorectal cancer testing is available to both women and men aged 50 to 74 and is a do-it-yourself procedure. Every two years, free test kits will be posted to people in this age range. After following the instructions on the kit and placing the identification labels on the tube, the samples are posted back, free of charge, for analysis.
Results from all tests can now be obtained via text message or by post on request.
Regular testing, even if no symptoms are present, can help detect cancer in its earliest stages and thus vastly improve the treatment outcomes for sufferers. Indeed, early detection often proves the difference between life and death in the most severe cancer cases.
For more information on the changes to cancer screening in France, click here.
The Jardins des Boulingrins in Monaco is currently hosting ‘State of Grace,’ a captivating exhibition by optical artist Marcos Marin.
Marcos Marin, originally from Brazil, has carved a niche in the international art scene with his pioneering work in optical art. Marin blends musical rhythms with visual dynamics, a hallmark of his art that has earned him worldwide recognition and several prestigious awards.
As visitors embark on their exploration of ‘State of Grace’ from the top of Jardin Boulingrins, they are first introduced to Marin’s sculptures of Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor, setting the stage for an artistic journey through iconic beauty and timeless elegance.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene sculpture by artist Marcos Marin.
As they continue to descend through the garden, the exhibition seamlessly transitions to the contemporary Monaco narrative, featuring sculptures of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their twins, Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella. Through Marin’s artistic vision, the exhibition highlights the fascinating blend of cinematic and royal histories.
The exhibition culminates in a heart-shaped sculpture of Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly, symbolically overlooking the Place du Casino, as if connecting Monaco’s past and present.
Monaco Life speaks to Rhonda Hudson, president of the Kate Powers Foundation, about continuing the legacy of Kate Powers and advancing sustainability, wellness, and education in the Principality.
Rhonda Hudson is an American-born Monaco resident and Life Balance Coach who plans to carry the legacy of her best friend Kate Powers, the beloved owner of the former Stars ‘n’ Bars who passed away in 2021. The Kate Powers Foundation (KPF) was created in 2022 and officially inaugurated last March, in the presence of Prince Albert II, the Foundation’s Honorary President.
As president of the Foundation, Rhonda is keen to keep Kate’s memory alive by creating awareness in the community to promote eco-friendly actions, well-being, and education.
Monaco Life: What led you to become President of the Kate Powers Foundation?
Rhonda Hudson: Kate and I were best friends. We shared many of the same interests, from our love for nature and personal development to enjoying fantastic food. A month before Kate passed, we had a heart-to-heart on continuing her legacy in Monaco, and she felt blessed that I would want to continue her work. My main objective is to keep my connection to Kate alive.
How has your previous experience prepared you for a role as president?
My overall experience in the wellness industry allows me to bring knowledge, expertise, and perspective to my role as president of KPF. The Foundation is created on three pillars: sustainability, well-being, and education. My role will be to bring as much joy, fun and connection as possible, enabling KPF to make a meaningful positive impact that will serve the community.
What are the most essential qualities for someone in this role?
Hold the vision! It’s easy to lose sight when you face challenges; however, when you focus and allow inspiration to lead the way, everything comes together at the perfect time, and as we say at KPF, “Together, we shine bright”.
Prince Albert II surrounded by the KFP team at the official launch. Photo credit: Ed Wright Images
Do you have experience in volunteering, fundraising, and budgeting?
I have volunteered locally, including clean-up efforts around the Principality through Eco Angels – the concept created by Kate to reduce pollution – as well as planting trees and setting up wellness days and workshops. I have absolutely no experience with fundraising and budgeting. My philosophy is to surround myself with expert leaders in these roles to help guide and direct me, the board, our team, and the Foundation… people you can always learn something from and grow.
I am privileged to have accomplished women in my team: VP Karen Bond, Treasurer Ina McLaughlin, Secretary Marina Jahlan Matkova, Marketing Martina Rakus, Sponsorship Melinda Nelson, Business Relations Donatella Campioni, Youth Coordinator Cecilia Faggionato, and Natasha Girardi, Marketing and Creative Director. They all bring their specific competencies and experience to our organisation and share a strong desire to make a positive difference.
Do you feel at ease interacting with the media and at networking events?
I really like interacting with media. I feel comfortable being interviewed and speaking in public, and I am invigorated by sharing the excitement of what KPF is all about with the community. My approach during a networking event is enthusiasm. I enjoy making connections, listening to ideas, and sharing with others how we can build a more sustainable future together.
What is your passion and your strengths? How would others describe you?
My greatest passion is living from the heart space, sharing this with others who are interested in sharing this space and creating magic. I listen, follow my intuition, have fun, and do not take things too seriously. As for others describing me, that depends on who you are asking, possibly as a visionary, confident, calm, positive energy, mesmerising voice, and focused.
Prince Albert, Mike Powers and Didier Rubiolo at the inauguraiton of the KPF. Photo credit: Ed Wright Images
Tell us about your professional work.
I work with people on personal, professional, and spiritual transformation. I call myself a transformational coach as I love to see people overcome their limiting beliefs, stuck programming, and resisting patterns. Giving them tools to identify what they want versus what they don’t like and how they are creating their experience to step into the realm of possibilities.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned up to now?
I learn lessons every day. My most significant lesson is not to push or try to make something happen. Trying to make something happen or going to get something done always attracts more of the same experience. I am learning the art of allowing and being playful with this art. Everything has the perfect divine timing and trust, making this experience much more fun.
What’s your communication style?
I would say my style tends to be more assertive. However, I love observing, seeing what is happening, and communicating confidently and softly.
How do you measure success?
Success for me is awareness. My measurement of success is how I can stay aware of every situation, even if it might not completely align with my desires. I love making a difference; it is what excites me. Living with excitement is truly a passion of mine.
What is your strategy for KPF?
I have done my best to define objectives, identify and develop key messages, and understand our community and their interest and impact on sustainability, well-being, and education. Furthermore, choose a communication channel that will best suit KPF board members, volunteers, and our target audience, create content, focus on events that communicate our mission, center on critical partnerships and collaborations, and follow Kate’s guidance by remembering what she loved.
AS Monaco has extended the contract of 22-year-old Brazilian player Vanderson until June 2028.
Arriving at AS Monaco in January 2022 from Brazilian club Grêmio, with which he played 59 matches, Vanderson will continue his adventure in Monaco. He has already worn the diagonal jersey 76 times, scored five goals and provided nine assists.
Capable of playing on the entire right flank, Vanderson has played 13 matches this season under the direction of Adi Hütter. The Brazilian was decisive during the first match of the season against Clermont Foot 63, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the 4-2 victory, then, again scorer, in the 2-1 success against Stade Rennais last December.
Vanderson was last season called for the first time to play in Brazil’s national team, making his debut in the 4–1 victory against Guinea on 17th June. He was again summoned in August to play two matches with Auriverdes, this time in the company of Caio Henrique, notably contributing to Brazil’s 1-0 victory against Peru in September.
A decade after a controversial real estate project on the Esplanade des Pêcheurs was first approved, the company behind the failed project has reportedly taken the case to the European Court of Human Rights, demanding the Monaco Government pay €164 million in damages.
Back in 2014, the Monaco Government and the Société Monégasque d’Etudes et des Gestion Immobilières, now known as Caroli Immo, signed a memorandum of understanding on a vast development project on the Esplanade des Pêcheurs of Port Hercule that would have forever changed the landscape of the Principality.
Huge in scope and radical in design, the concept was to create a mixed-use development that blended cultural sites with housing, retail stores, offices, parking and public spaces on the southern tip of the iconic harbour.
The Esplanade des Pêcheurs backtrack
However, within a year of the signing of the agreement between the government and the developer, all plans, including a bill to decommission the publicly owned land on which the project would sit, were withdrawn by the state.
Official court documents later revealed that the decision had been motivated by “strong reservations on the part of the competent authorities, both from the point of view of [architecture] and [sizing] [of the project] as well as with regard to the constraints relating to the availability of space necessary for the organisation of important events, such as, among others, the Formula 1 Grand Prix”.
How the Esplanade des Pêcheurs project could have looked. Photo credit: Caroli Immo
As reported by Monaco Life in 2020, Caroli Immo was unhappy with the turn of events and sought financial retribution of €423 million in compensation. This was revised down by the Supreme Court of Monaco in 2020, which ruled €137 million plus interest should be paid out.
At this point, Prince Albert II stepped in and called for a more amicable solution to be found.
The negotiations that followed raised the prospects of a modified project that would include state housing. Monaco’s National Council got behind the plans, passing a law in 2022 that would allow the Principality to benefit more from private developments and permit the decommissioning of the necessary land.
It was thus agreed that the project would be restarted and that Caroli Immo would waive its court-ordered compensation package in exchange for a timetable to begin the works.
The Esplanade des Pêcheurs project – located at the end of the port – would have changed the look of Port Hercule dramatically. Photo by Monaco Life
Caroli Immo takes its case to the European Court of Human Rights
Then came the next major stumbling block: according to a request made to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), shown to AFP, Caroli Immo was “forced to abandon the project… following numerous appeals initiated by companies belonging to another Monegasque entrepreneur… Patrice Pastor”.
According to Caroli’s request to the ECHR, when the group asked for money from the Monegasque state again, it failed to respond, demonstrating “its desire not to pay”.
Lawyers for Caroli Immo, which is one of the Principality’s three largest developers, are believed to have submitted their case in early February and are awaiting a decision on whether or not it is “admissible”.
The Monaco government is yet to comment on the latest development in this long-running saga.
Despite its diminutive size, the Principality of Monaco is making its presence felt on the world stage of tennis after a respectable win against Paraguay has seen the nation progress from the World Group II play-offs to the World Group II final stage.
The Davis Cup is one of the oldest and most respected men’s tournaments in the tennis world, and after an excellent showing in the recent World Group II play-offs, which saw Monaco beat Paraguay 3-1, the Principality now stands a strong chance of improving its Davis Cup rankings when the World Group II final ties come round in September.
Between 3rd and 4th February, four of Monaco’s star players were welcomed to the Club Internacional de Tenis in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion for a series of important matches.
Monaco’s Benjamin Balleret lost out to Daniel Vallejo in the first, but Valentin Vacherot stepped up in the second match to win against his Paraguayan opponent, Martin Antonio Vergara Del Puerto.
Next came a doubles match featuring Monaco’s Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo against Vallejo and Vergara, which was dominated by the Monegasques.
Vacherot sealed the deal for Monaco and helped secure his nation’s ascension to the World Group II finals with a win against Vallejo.
Come September, their opponents could include the likes of Ecuador, Bulgaria, Romania, Mexico, New Zealand and Ireland.
Monaco is currently ranked 57th in the global Davis Cup rankings.
2024 Davis Cup Finals
Following the Davis Cup Qualifiers, which took place around the world between 1st and 4th February, the 16 contenders for the Finals Group Stage later this year have also been confirmed.
Joining automatic entries Italy and Australia, who were the respective winners and runners-up of the 2023 edition, are Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia and the USA. The remaining two seats have gone to wildcard entries Great Britain and Spain.
After matches in four chosen cities between 10th and 15th September, the final eight countries will go on to the Finals in Malaga, which will be held from 19th to 24th November.
Arthur Leclerc, the 23-year-old younger brother of Ferrari’s Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc, has been snapped up as a development driver for the Italian manufacturer after being released from the team’s academy at the end of last year.
Leclerc had been at the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020 and had enjoyed some success in the Formula Regional European Championship and F3, but managed just 15th place in the F2 rankings after moving up in 2023.
Ferrari confirmed at the end of the year that he would be leaving the academy, but hinted that his affiliation with the manufacturer would continue. Now that role has been confirmed.
As announced on 27th January, the younger Leclerc’s future with the Maranello marque now looks increasingly secure following the news that he has taken up a new position as a development driver.
“Arthur Leclerc is joining Antonio Fuoco and Davide Rigon in the role of Development Driver,” read the Ferrari statement. “The job entails mainly working in the simulator, on car development, set-up work and updates introduced during the season. The Monegasque is also racing this year in the Italian GT championship in a Scuderia Baldini 27.”
Ferrari hasn’t wasted any time in putting Leclerc to work and got him on the track in late January for a three-day Pirelli test session in Barcelona. On 29th January, he piloted a F1 car – a 2022 F1-75, for the first time in his racing career.
Charles Leclerc posted a video of himself and his youngest sibling sharing that inaugural F1 experience on social media.
Over the course of four shows at the Monaco opera house later this month, Pietro Mascagni’s greatest success, the dark and stormy Cavalleria Rusticana, and Giacomo Puccini’s Danté-inspired Gianni Schicchi will be retold in a new production by Grischa Asagaroff.
Beginning with a gala performance on Friday 23rd February, these two wildly different tales – one of seduction and murder, and the other of clever yet comedic deceit – will be brought together by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and set to music from the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo and the Chœur de l’Opéra de Monte-Carlo, under the conductorship of Speranza Scappucci.
Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana from 1889 is based on a short story of the same name that was written by Giovanni Verga. Set in a small and conservative Sicilian village in the late 19th century, it is a tale of jealousy, betrayal and murder amidst an ongoing love story that ends in a duel to the death.
Gianni Schicchi, which is widely known as Giacomo Puccini’s only comedy, uses an incident from Dante’s Divine Comedy as its core and is as fresh today as it was a century ago when it first opened in New York’s Metropolitan Opera House in 1918.
It is the story of a clever medieval peasant living in Florence who is called upon by the scheming, greedy relatives of a rich old man who want him to falsify the old man’s will for them.
In a sleight of hand, he rewrites the will and leaves the fortune to himself, which he will use to pay for his daughter’s extravagant upcoming wedding to delectable comic effect.
In addition to the gala show, there will be three more performances: Sunday 25th at 3pm, Tuesday 27th at 8pm and Thursday 29th February at 8pm.
From a EuroLeague game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to a Betclic Elite face-off with Bourg-en-Bresse and a Ligue 1 draw with Le Havre, AS Monaco basketball and football fans, including the Princely family, had plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favourite teams over the weekend.
Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and their nine-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, joined a packed stadium of AS Monaco Basket fans on Friday 2nd February to watch a pivotal Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.
It was a tight game, but the Roca Team rallied, particularly in the fourth quarter, to win 76-69 to the applause and cheers of the Princely family, who had enjoyed prime seating in the box.
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella joined their parents in the premium box to watch the game. Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket
There was little time to rest for the players, who were out on the road to Bourg-en-Bresse just two days later for a Betclic Elite match on Sunday 4th February. Perhaps it was fatigue or maybe just bad luck, but despite Monaco’s efforts and a more dominant rebounding performance, the home side took the win: 74-70.
The result reduces AS Monaco’s lead at the top of the Betclic Elite standings to two points ahead of Lyon’s ASVEL Basket.
AS Monaco pays tribute to Number 8 Jean Petit
The football match against Le Havre on Sunday 4th February in the French Ligue 1 might not have been the most exciting AS Monaco game of the season, but it was a poignant one.
Prince Albert and AS Monaco President Dmitry Rybolovlev stood side-by-side to lead a minute of applause before kick-off in homage to AS Monaco’s former Number 8, Jean Petit, who passed away at the age of 74 on 23rd January.
The game at the Stade Louis II was ultimately a draw, with a goal apiece for AS Monaco and Le Havre.
“We couldn’t find a way to score the goal,” said a frustrated Adi Hütter, the manager for the Rouges et Blancs, after the game. “You can always talk about our defence or the goals we conceded, but we had several chances in the first 45 minutes. At the start of the season, for example, we managed to put them away. We were the better team today and we’re very dissatisfied and disappointed with this result.”
Three dancers from Monaco’s Princess Grace Academy have been awarded at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne.
A large and enthusiastic audience attended the prestigious 52nd edition of the Prix de Lausanne Finals at the Theatre de Beaulieu on the weekend, while hundreds of thousands of ballet lovers followed online.
Created in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne (PLD) is an annual international competition for young dancers to discover, promote, and support the finest talents. One of a kind, the PLD has represented for half a century an exceptional experience for young dancers to nurture their skills and step towards a professional career. This renowned global dance event is open to professionals who can observe and establish contacts with the candidates, thereby transforming Lausanne into the world’s capital for young dancers during the week of the competition.
The Princess Grace Academy’s Juliann Fedele Malard from France. Photo credit: Gregory Batardon
To participate in the competition week in Lausanne, candidates must prepare two solos, one classical variation and one contemporary variation, from a list provided for both girls and boys. The Prix de Lausanne is more than just a competition: it’s also a week of training for the candidates. They attend classes with renowned teachers and rehearse under the direction of great dancers and teachers who help them work out how to interpret the roles.
This year, 425 applicants (333 girls and 92 boys) from 43 countries sent their videos to be reviewed by a jury consisting of nine dance professionals who had gathered in Lausanne the previous weekend. Jury members are either linked with the PDL partner schools and companies, are themselves PDL prize winners, or renowned figures from the dance world.
The Princess Grace Academy’s Martinho Lima Santos from Portugal. Photo credit: Gregory Batardon
Evaluation of the candidates’ potential
Throughout the competition, the jury evaluated a candidate’s potential as a ballet dancer by considering: artistry, physical suitability, courage and individuality; an imaginative and sensitive response to the music; a clear grasp of communicating differing movement dynamics; and technical facility, control, and coordination.While advanced technical skills are considered, jurors’ primary focus is on the candidate’s potential to succeed as a professional ballet dancer. Each jury member gives one mark between one and nine (nine being the highest) for each round, with results announced during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday 3rd February.
Of the 88 initially selected candidates, 86 (42 girls and 44 boys), representing 18 nationalities, participated in the 2024 edition of the Prix de Lausanne, and 20 became finalists. At the end of the finals competition, the jury presided over by Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the Royal Academy of Dance and PDL 1986 Prize Winner, selected nine winners. Thanks to their scholarships, these nine promising dancers can join one of the prestigious Partner Schools and Companies of the Prix de Lausanne.
The Princess Grace Academy’s Paloma Livellara Vidart from Argentina. Photo credit: Gregory Batardon
The students at the Academy have talent!
Three gifted students from the reputable Princess Grace Academy were among the nine prize winners of the 20 finalists at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne (PDL). They are Paloma Livellara Vidart from Argentina, Martinho Lima Santos from Portugal, and Juliann Fedele Malard from France. They received a total of five Prizes.
