Monaco Life

Collaborative ballet unveiled: Pavillon Bosio, dance students, and Greek artist Elias Lazaridis join forces

For the first time, guest Greek choreographer Elias Lazaridis has teamed up with Pavillon Bosio art students and Princess Grace Academy dancers to create and perform a new ballet, which was unveiled during the March Imprevus.

The Pavillon Bosio has collaborated with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo (BMC) for over a decade now, with young scenographers designing the set for a ballet created by one of the company’s dancers. This year, as the BMC was on tour, Pavillon Bosio teamed up with the Princess Grace Academy instead, which commissioned Greek choreographer Elias Lazaridis to create a piece for 20 of their young dancers. The piece, entitled ‘Fly’, was unveiled during the Imprevus, from 7th to 10th March.

In explaining the creation of ‘Fly’, Elias Lazaridis told Monaco Life, “I always admired looking at things from a different perspective, especially from a distance or even better from above, and understanding the world and myself in it from a more holistic point of view; being more aware and connected with my surroundings but also adaptable and resilient.

“Fly is a choreographic work that results from a process of physical and mental malleability. The dancers are shifting their attention from individual to collective, building a well-refined net of over-layered connections, creating a sense of collectivity and playfulness. Through guided imagery and various choreographic ideas, we encouraged the dancers to be more adaptable and transformative, requiring significant creativity and resourcefulness.”

A scene from Fly, Imprevus. Source: Pavillon Bosio

The Imprevus audience were indeed exposed to an incredible creation, in which the dancer’s fluid movements merged with colourful, malleable sci-fi choreography, inviting viewers to fly with them to a faraway place.

Students creating together

The Imprevus were created by Jean-Christophe Maillot, Director of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, as a unique behind-the-scenes experience where the public is in close contact with the dancers and choreographers. It is an opportunity to discover the creative process.

For the choreography of ‘Fly’, students of Pavillon Bosio took charge of all aspects of the ballet choreography: staging, sound and lighting, costumes, and video projection. The young choreographers and dancers counted on the assistance of guest choreographer Elias Lazaridis, Luca Masala, Maïder Fortuné, and Mathieu Lorry-Dupuy, teachers at the Pavillon Bosio, Dominique Drillot, set designer, and the exceptional participation of 20 young talented Academy students. To help prepare for the project, the students participated in preliminary meetings with choreographers, dancers, critics, and set designers.

“This newly created piece will debut at the Salle Garnier in June 2024 for the Academy Gala, a special annual event, a unique stage experience, where the young dancers showcase their talent and achievements,” said Luca Masala.

Students performing Fly on a set designed by the Pavillon Bosio students, photo source: Pavillon Bosio

About Choreographer Elias Lazaridis

Elias Lazaridis was born in Kavala, Greece, in 1981, and began training in classical ballet when he was eight. A talented athlete, Elias participated in international competitions, winning 400m hurdle events. He studied architecture in Athens, but his passion for dance was more potent, so he continued training at the State School of Dance in Athens.

The dancer worked part-time for the Greek National Opera and adLibdances / Kat Válastur. In 2014, Elias danced in Shell Shock, an opera by Nicholas Lens, Nick Cave, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, to commemorate the Great War. Later, he collaborated as a dancer on the operas Les Indes Galantes (2016) and Satyagraha (2017), both under the direction of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. With Cherkaoui, he worked at GöteborgsOperans Danskompani as a choreographic assistant (Noetic, 2014) and performer (Icon, 2016).

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Interview: Pavillon Bosio Director Thierry Leviez about his ambitions for Monaco’s art school

Main photo by Celina Lafuente de Lavotha for Monaco Life

 

 

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Mercy Ships and sustainability: Romas Marine’s Roland Brautigam sets a course for a better future

In an exclusive interview, Monaco Life discovers how Roland Brautigam, the CEO of Romas Marine, is making waves in the maritime industry by focusing on green energy advancements and by supporting critical healthcare projects at sea through an NGO called Mercy Ships.

Roland Brautigam has been a Monaco resident for 14 years, but has been involved in the maritime industry since 1992. His company, Romas Marine, which started its journey in Monaco in 2010, is at its heart a ship trading and brokerage business, but it’s also deeply committed to sustainability and community support through philanthropic endeavours.

“We’re a small company and whilst for many years our focus was on oil and gas, we’re doing our part by focusing also on renewable energy. The future is green,” he says.

One of the company’s notable projects in the sustainability sphere is encouraging the use of recycled marine plastic in the production of clothes for the marine industry.

“It’s about cleaning the oceans and reducing the use of oil in the production of textiles,” he tells Monaco Life.

Romas Marine is a family owned business that is run by Roland Brautigam (right) and his son, Jimmy Brautigam. Photo supplied

Romas Marine also prioritises health and wellness, aligning its efforts with Sustainable Development Goals, and while environmental sustainability is clearly important to the family-run company, initiatives that benefit individual and community well-being have captured Brautigam’s imagination.

A key example of Romas Marine’s dedication to this cause is the company’s alliance with Mercy Ships, an organisation that operates the largest non-governmental hospital ships in the world and provides free surgery treatments in Africa.

“Upon the onset of COVID-19, we sought guidance from Mercy Ships as we were in discussions with the Dutch government to supply them with a COVID-19 hospital ship. This initiative marked the beginning of our collaboration,” Brautigam explains.

“Mercy Ships runs the two biggest private hospital ships in the world. As a non-profit organisation, they provide over 6,000 life-changing surgeries each year, helping thousands of people,” he adds.

Many of the operations performed aboard these ships are lifesaving or life-changing. In addition, training is often provided onboard to local doctors, many of whom come from a rural background.

Through this blend of environmental efforts and healthcare support, Romas Marine is striving to forge a healthier, more equitable future.

Supporting Mercy Ships

On 15th June at the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco, Romas Marine will hold the Mercy Ships Gala event that aims to raise awareness and funds for the Mercy Ships project.

“Together with Alldutch Yachting and Delta Carriers, we are a small part of this, but we want to make a big impact by raising money and awareness for Mercy Ships here in Monaco,” says Brautigam. “We want to make this gala a success, to not only raise funds but also to bring more attention to the amazing work Mercy Ships does.”

The gala will feature live and silent auctions, entertainment, a three-course dinner, a fashion show and an after party. For more information, contact mercyships@romasmarine.com.

Looking ahead, Romas Marine and Brautigam have more ambitious plans. They’ve recently opened an office in Dubai with the goal of expanding their network further and will continue to support Mercy Ships. Brautigam has also joined the committee of Yachts for Mercy, a new initiative seeking to build awareness and raise the profile of Mercy Ships among the wider yachting industry.

 

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Main photo credit: Mercy Ships

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Five years prison for drink driver who killed father of two in Monaco

The drink driver who caused the death of a married father of two has been sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated manslaughter, among other charges. Here are all the details.  

Six people lost their lives in driving-related accidents on Monaco’s roads in 2023. One of them was Hervé Algarra, a husband and father of two who was killed on his way home from work at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort on 7th January when a drunk driver strayed on to the wrong side of the road in the tunnel leading to Port Hercule from Larvotto while driving at least 35km per hour above the speed limit. The driver collided head on with Algarra’s scooter. The victim died at the scene after going into cardiac arrest.  

The trial 

More than a year after the tragic incident, the trial of the Ukranian national who had been behind the wheel of the car that struck Algarra, identified only as Dmytro, took place in Monaco earlier this week. 

The defendant, who is in his 40s, had been charged on five counts: refusing to submit to a drugs test, refusing to submit to an alcohol screening test, driving without insurance, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and aggravated manslaughter. 

According to the Monaco Matin, the defendant told the courtroom, “I made a mistake, but I didn’t feel drunk, I felt capable of driving.” 

See more: Record road deaths force Monaco Police to get tough on drink driving, but how?

At the time of the crash, Dmytro’s mother and his daughter had been travelling with him in the Mercedes G Class. The family group had been celebrating Orthodox Christmas earlier that day.  

According to footage and documents presented in court, the defendant is understood to have continued driving a further 174 metres along the road before he stopped. He then got out of his car and examined the damage to the 4X4 before finally approaching Algarra with his phone in hand. At the end of the line was a friend, a lawyer, who had rented the vehicle to the defendant under suspicious circumstances that were later uncovered by investigators and have been connected to the charge of driving without correct insurance. 

According to Monaco Matin, those in the courtroom, including Algarra’s widow, one of his sons and members of his extended family, were told that the defendant had committed a staggering 60 road and traffic offences in the three years prior to the accident, in France, Switzerland and Ukraine. 

He had reportedly moved to the region, settling in Eze-sur-Mer, at the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war in early 2022.  

Sentencing 

Monaco Matin reports that Dmytro has been sentenced to five years in prison, handed a €2,000 fine for the insurance-related crimes and been banned from driving in Monaco for five years. The sentencing was more lenient than the punishments sought by the prosecution. His defense team will have 15 days to make an appeal. A civil interests trial date regarding a possible payout for damages has been set for 19th April. 

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

 

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Philanthropists and women’s rights advocates come together at Golden Z Gala

The Golden Z Gala of early March was a night dedicated to advancing women’s rights and empowerment here in Monaco and around the world.

The glamourous event took place at Le Méridien Beach Plaza on Friday 8th March, in line with International Women’s Rights Day, and gathered together supporters and advocates for women’s rights to conclude a full day of events championing this cause in the Principality.

See more: Prince Albert II unites hopes with wishing tree activity at PowHer’s opening

Held under the patronage of Céline Cottalorda, the interministerial delegate for women’s rights in Monaco, the gala orchestrated by the Golden Z Club Monaco sought to raise funds for Zonta Monaco’s initiatives, which focus on combating violence against women, ending child marriage and enhancing education for girls and women.

Open to all, the evening featured a range of activities, from networking opportunities to music and entertainment provided by DJ Ugo Puccinelli. Guests were also invited to contribute to a unique art project that involved messages of support being written on a canvas. It will be showcased at other Zonta events worldwide as a symbol of solidarity.

A highlight of the gala was the fashion show debut by Maison Malèna, a new fashion brand founded by Malèna Mota, who is also the president of the Golden Z Club Monaco. While introducing her designs, which include a summer dress collection, Mota emphasised the brand’s values of eco-responsibility and promoting female diversity.

The Maison Malèna collection by Malèna Mota, the president of Golden Z Club Monaco. Photo supplied by Golden Z Club

The evening came to a close with a presentation spotlighting personal safety. This was led by Be Safe Monaco, the anti-drink driving organisation headed up by Camille Gottlieb. Breathalysers and transportation services were offered to guests leaving the event.

The Golden Z Gala’s collaboration with various sponsors and partners underscored the collective effort to support women’s empowerment.

Check out our reel of the PowHer event that took place in Monaco earlier in the day:

 

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Photos supplied by Golden Z Club

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Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse leads the way in the Gault & Millau Guide for 2024

The Gault & Millau Guide rates restaurants out of 20 for their food, style and service, awarding up to five toques or chefs’ hats to those of the finest calibre. The very highest achievement – entry into the Gault & Millau Academy – is reserved for a select few and only one restaurant in the entire Riviera has claimed that accolade in 2024. 

That restaurant is, of course, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco’s glittering Carré d’Or.  

The guide compares the experience of dining here to that of dinner at the Château de Versailles, saying, “The great French genre… When it’s successful, it’s incomparable.” 

High praise indeed. 

Gault & Millau’s review of Le Louis XV takes time to note the evident talents of Chef Emmanuel Pilon, who has headed up the kitchen for two years now, as well as “choreographer” Claire Sonnet, the restaurant’s manager. Chief Sommelier Maxime Pastor is heralded too as is Pastry Chef extraordinaire Sandro Micheli. 

The talents of Chef Emmanuel Pilon were praised by the Gault & Millau Guide. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Just two other restaurants on this stretch of the Mediterranean coast have earned five toques in the ratings, which were released at the start of the week for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Monaco area. They are the colourful AM par Alexandre Mazzia in Marseille and the classic La Vague d’Or in Saint Tropez. Both achieved an impressive 19/20 points.  

A handful of acclaimed restaurants around the Principality won a respectful four toques, such as the La Chèvre d’Or in Eze, the former ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ of Mirazur in Menton, Le Cap at the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat and Le Restaurant de Rois at La Réserve de Beaulieu, but there are no other Monegasque restaurants to be found at this elevated end of the listings. 

See more: Restaurant opening: Fine dining reaches new high at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

Among those achieving three toques – equivalent to a score of 15 to 16.5/20 – are the Monaco restaurants of Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, Yoshi, Le Grill and Blue Bay Marcel Ravin.  

See more: ‘New’ Restaurant: The metamorphosis of Blue Bay Marcel Ravin

Special prizes went to Dominique Lory of Le Grill at the Hôtel de Paris, who was given the Techniques d’Excellence prize, while Justin Schmitt of the Château Eza in Eze-sur-Mer has been awarded the Grand de Demain prize for the region. Another top prize, the Gault & Millau d’Or, has gone to Virginie Basselot of the Hôtel Negresco.

Le Grill’s Dominique Lory has been awarded the Techniques d’Excellence prize. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

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Monaco’s Sass Café announces new luxury venture at the Corinthia Bucharest hotel

By the end of 2024, the transformation of the historic Grand Hôtel du Boulevard in the Romania capital, which now goes by the name of the Corinthia Bucharest, will be complete and among its luxurious offerings will be a new bar and lounge headed up by Monaco’s legendary Sass Café group. 

Sass Café, which has been owned by the Treves family for three decades, is something of an institution in the Principality of Monaco and has long been a favourite place to mix and mingle among the rich and famous. 

See more: Monaco’s iconic Sass Café celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023

Recent years have seen the brand spread its wings and transport its brand of high-end hospitality to a number of other locations, including the Japanese-Mediterranean fusion The Niwaki in Monaco and an epicurean pop-up at the Saudi Arabian luxury heritage site at Al-Ula. This new venture at the Corinthia Bucharest represents another step in that direction for the Sass Café and EYE Management, the hospitality management company founded by Samy Treves.

See more: Monaco’s Sass Café recreated in dramatic setting of Saudi Arabian desert

The Monegasque export features prominently in the plans for the five-star Corinthia Bucharest, which is still in the midst of major renovations, and the Sass Bar & Lounge is set to be the hotel’s premiere dining and entertainment space.  

“It is an honour to be partnering on this project with Corinthia Hotels, a major actor of the luxury hospitality industry, at the historic Corinthia Bucharest, the former Grand Hôtel du Boulevard,” says Sass co-owner and EYE Management founder Samy Treves. “EYE Management company and Sass Café are delighted to introduce our dining brand to the Romanian market thanks to a dynamic joint venture built on trust and a like-minded philosophy with a vision to import a new dining trend in Romania, and [create the] highest guests’ experience for our customers.” 

Sassa and Samy Treves at Sass Café in Monaco. Photo credit: Sass Café

Once open, the Sass-signed space, which is being designed by Monegasque agency G&M Design to “reflect the iconic Sass settings”, will offer a menu crafted by Sass’ Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan that will feature Mediterranean classics familiar to Sass regulars, such as delectable pasta dishes, daily fish specials and premium meats. Live music and DJ sets will provide guests with “outstanding dining experiences”. 

For more information about the hotel and this exciting partnership, click here.

 

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Photo source: Corinthia Bucharest

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Volunteers needed for Monaco stage of the 2024 Tour de France

Ahead of this year’s Tour de France, the Monaco Government is looking to recruit a fleet of volunteers to assist with the running of the final stage, which will be held locally. 

The 111th edition of the Tour de France will be rather different to those of past years due to the concurrent Olympic Games in Paris this summer.  

For the first time since its inception, the race will not be finishing in the French capital, but instead in the south of France. 

Following a start in the Italian city of Florence on 29th June, the peloton will trace a modified route through France before heading back down south to the Principality of Monaco, which will be hosting the start line of the final stage on 21st July. The world-famous race will ultimately end on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. 

See more: Full Tour de France 2024 route revealed, including Monaco-Nice time trial

This fortunate turn of events for local fans of the iconic sporting event means that not only will they get a chance to witness history on their doorstep, but some will even be able to become an official part of the proceedings.  

The Monegasque government recently put out a call for adult volunteers who would like to assist with the organisation of the event. Interested parties can get in touch with the organising committee in Monaco via directionstadelouis2@gouv.mc or by telephone on +377 92 05 40 12. The deadline has been set for 20th March.  

Read related:

Monaco to officially welcome the Tour de France in summer 2024

 

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Photo source: Arni Svanur Danielsson, Unsplash

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Prince Albert II unites hopes with wishing tree activity at PowHer’s opening

Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie inaugurated Monaco’s new International Women’s Day celebration, PowHer, featuring workshops, discussions, and cultural celebrations dedicated to women’s rights and empowerment.

Monaco marked International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March with the new all-encompassing event at Espace Léo Ferré, inaugurated by Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie, and organised by the Committee for Women’s Rights.

Prince Albert II took part in the emotionally-charged wishing tree activity, where guests were encouraged to hang cards adorned with their aspirations for women’s rights on a tree, creating a powerful symbol of communal desire for equality.

The discussions explored women’s leadership in both the public and private sectors, featuring a roundtable with prominent participants such as Françoise Gamerdinger, the Director of Cultural Affairs, Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, National Councillor and President of the Family Rights and Equality Commission, and Céline Cottalorda, Interministerial Delegate for Women’s Rights.

Prince Albert II and Princess Stephanie at the opening ceremony of PowHer, photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

Another highlight was the speed mentoring session, #GirlBoss, aimed at empowering the Principality’s young women aged 11 to 25. This initiative, spearheaded by the Women Business Leaders of Monaco and SheCanHeCan, offered valuable guidance and advice from a panel of accomplished female leaders, demonstrating the importance of mentorship in achieving professional success.

See also: Monaco to host Speed Mentoring event for girls on International Women’s Rights Day

The event also featured creative and expressive activities, including poetry readings and debates. The improvisation workshop on cyber violence, led by Action Innocence Monaco, addressed the pressing issue of online harassment and its impact on women, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the fight for women’s rights.

Closing the event was a concert by Nalla, accompanied by guitarist Florent Garcia, which provided a fitting end to the day. The International Women’s Day celebration in Monaco highlighted the Principality’s ongoing efforts to address gender equality and empower women across all spheres of life.

Monaco Life is a part of the local community, and we were there. See more in our Instagram below…

 

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Публикация от Monaco Life | News from Monaco (@monacolife_)

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SEE ALSO:

New report confirms gender wage gap in Monaco, finance sector sees biggest loss for women

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

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Monegasque sailors claim double victory at 40th Primo Cup

Over the weekend, 400 brave sailors battled against strong winds to compete in the 40th Primo Cup, which was held in the waters off the Principality of Monaco between 7th and 10th March.  

This 40th edition of the Primo Cup, an important milestone for the event, was the fourth and final act of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas that runs from November to March every year. 

Launched by Prince Albert II of Monaco back in 1985, when he became President of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), the competition is a major international season-opener and has long attracted big names in the sport. 

Prince Albert and Bernard d’Alessandri unveil the 40th Primo Cup Perpetual Trophy. Photo credit: YCM

“We have had champions here, sailors from the Vendée Globe, Tour de France à la Voile and the Figaro, not to mention America’s Cup,”says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri. “And with 4,400 boats, 1,100 starts, 200 days of sailing, 20,500 sailors and 44 classes in the last 40 years, the event has become a reference.” 

Before the sailing got underway at the end of last week, Prince Albert was on hand to greet the eager competitors at the opening ceremony and personally unveiled the coveted Buccellati-designed Perpetual Trophy that is engraved with the names of the winners from the last four decades. The winners of this year’s edition may well have been watching on.  

A MONEGASQUE PASSION FOR SAILING SHINES THROUGH

In the J/70, YCM member Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio aboard G-Spot took his second victory in four races, while the Smeralda 888 class was won by the YCM’s Achille Onorato and his crew on Canard à l’Orange.

This Monegasque passion for high-level competition has clearly been passed down from generation to generation, as evidenced by the presence of the YCM’S Sports Section’s 11-year-old Roman Lampert, 14-year-old Ludovica Bonelli, nine-year-old Louis Pompée and 10-year-old Joséphine Dobbelaere at the J/70 event.

“They are used to start lines of 90 Optimists, so they were not phased and stayed calm,” said their coach, Margaux Meslin, who sailed with them on Team Optimist. “I’ve seen them win starts next to the big names or surf downwind, spinnaker up, [with] big smiles on their faces. It was a fantastic experience for them.” 

OTHER WINNERS 

The Swiss team on Shensu achieved a victory three points ahead of the second-placed German crew on Wetfeet in the Longtze Premier while the Cape 31 was dominated by Give me Five.  

UPCOMING EVENTS AT MONACO OCEAN WEEK 

The next major event to take place at the YCM will be the 13th Environmental Symposium, which comes under the banner of the Monaco Ocean Week programme. Also being held at the Club during this time will be the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous and the YCM Explorer Awards – La Belle Classe.  

Read related:

Monaco Ocean Week 2024: A quest for viable and achievable solutions

 

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Main photo credit: YCM / Studio Borlenghi

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New Podcast: Understanding luxury with brand expert Matteo Atti

In this episode we talk about defining luxury, trends in the industry, who’s got it right, and how to get it wrong.

Matteo Atti is Chief Marketing Officer at Vista, the largest on demand business jet group in the world. Matteo has worked with leading global brands in luxury, fashion and telecommunications including Gucci, Nokia and Bottega Veneta, is a contributor to Forbes magazine and his projects have been featured on the WSJ, Robb Report, NYT, and Business Insider. He is also a professor in Luxury Business Development and a Member of the Academic Board at the International University of Monaco.

In this episode we talk about defining luxury, trends in the industry, who’s got it right, and how to get it wrong.

 

Visit our Podcast channel to listen to more: https://on.soundcloud.com/MzPA3

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Monaco International Investment Forum to open doors to new investment opportunities

In a matter of days, the Monaco International Investment Forum will return to the Yacht Club de Monaco with a programme featuring talks on topics such as AI and micro-financing. 

The name may have changed, but the event is bigger and better than ever.

The Monaco International Investment Forum (MIIF), formerly Monaco et Suisse Investment Forum, is taking its 2024 edition to new heights by giving an exclusive group of invite-only entrepreneurs, investors and other key finance players a chance to network and participate in a range of fascinating talks on what’s happening in the industry today and where it’s headed tomorrow. 

“The Monaco International Investment Forum (MIIF) was born from the idea of creating something special over the years and to stand out in the market of the Principality of Monaco,” Raffaello Cairoli, Director Monaco International Investment Forum, told Monaco Life. “In the last years we have accomplished many goals and this year the level of implementation has risen considerably between the enlargement of the team and the creation of an internal platform to which exhibitors and guests have access to. The goal is to become an established event in Monaco and to be renowned in Europe and internationally.”

A DAY OF OPPORTUNITIES 

Alongside networking opportunities, the programme for the event on 15th March features a number of targeted conferences led by investment professionals that are expected to touch on topics ranging from AI and business ethics to last-stage investing and microfinancing. 

This year’s participants include exciting, cutting-edge companies such as Auxasphere, Giano Capital, Woodville Litgation Funding, Ethimedix, Mikro Kapital, DIGI Mind Sphere, KeeSystem, Christian Dominici spa, eH2P, YACHTNEEDS, Coraliotech, Aurum Global Partners, Sotheby’s International Realty Dubai, Gami Capital, MKNL Technology Ltd and Cape Wellness. 

Among the partners of the prestigious event are the likes of the Monaco Economic Board, Monaco Tech, CMLS, Brand Therapy, Reshape MC Design, VBC Virtual Business Card, Solid Rusk Production, Gold Ventures Investment, Zepter International and Atlas Investment.  

Monaco Life is proud to be the official media partner of the 2024 Monaco International Investment Forum. 

For more information, click here.

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Photo courtesy of the Monaco International Investment Forum 

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Three exceptional women to be commemorated on new French coinage

Three pioneering women are to become the new faces of France’s 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces. Their official debut into circulation isn’t until this summer, but we have a sneak preview of what to expect.

According to the Monnaie de Paris, Josephine Baker, Marie Curie and Simone Veil earned their right to be the faces of the soon-to-be-released new coinage by being “sources of daily inspiration for everyone”, by embodying the values of France and by becoming trailblazers in their own realms. 

The new edition coins will be released during the summer of 2024. Image via Monnaie de Paris

It was announced on 6th March that, come summer, three new editions of the nation’s 10, 20 and 50 cent coins designed by the Monnaie de Paris’ chief engraver, Joaquin Jimenez, will be launched with these women’s faces and the Sower, a symbol that has appeared on all French-minted coins for 120 years, on one side and the universal European Union design with the denomination and a relief of the continent on the other.  

THE WOMEN 

The 10 cent coin has been reserved for Simone Veil, the Auschwitz survivor who went on to become the first woman to hold the Presidency of the European Parliament. She also, in a timely twist, was the champion of the 1975 bill that decriminalised abortion in France. The right to abortion was enshrined in the French constitution earlier this month.  

See more: France makes abortion a constitutional right

Singer, anti-racism activist and resistance fighter Josephine Baker will feature on the 20 cent piece. American-born Baker was a resident of Monaco in her later years, having befriended Princess Grace. In 2021, she became the first black women to be entered into the French Pantheon. She is buried in the Principality of Monaco.  

The 50 cent coin will honour scientist Marie Curie. Curie, who was originally from Poland but became a French citizen, is best known for her contributions to uncover treatments for cancer as well as being the person to discover polonium and radium.  

 

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Image via Monnaie de Paris

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Sports round-up: Weekend wins for Monaco’s star football and basketball teams

Both of Monaco’s mainstream sports teams were away from the Principality over the weekend, with AS Monaco in the Grand Est to face off with RC Strasbourg and the Roca Team on court up north against BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque.  

Under the watchful eyes of nearly 400 Monaco fans and the team’s president, Dmitry Rybolovlev, AS Monaco, who are currently in third place in France’s Ligue 1 standings, had pinned their hopes on continuing their march up the rankings, but the game against RC Strasbourg on 10th March proved challenging.  

Though several opportunities to score presented themselves, there wasn’t a single conversion from either side during the entire first half of play. The second half wasn’t looking promising either until 73 minutes in when Maghnes Akliouche set up Eliesse Ben Seghir for a beautiful corner kick into the goal. It was the only one of the game. 

“I saw Maghnes on the overlap, and it’s true that we have a lot of good connections, we feel quite good together,” said Ben Seghir, who was voted Man of the Match by AS Monaco fans. “In that moment, I knew where to position myself so that he could give me the ball. I looked, he passed [it to] me and I just had to finish!” 

AS Monaco’s next game will be a home turf affair at the Stade Louis II on 17th March. 

Dream team: Maghnes Akliouche and Man of the Match Eliesse Ben Seghir. Photo credit: AS Monaco

Close call for AS Monaco Basket

That same day saw the Roca Team take on BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque at the Stade des Flandres. 

The side was down three key players, with Terry Tarpey, Petr Cornelie and Jordan Loyd all absent, but despite this handicap, the Rouges et Blancs took to the court with energy and determination.  

The first quarter went reasonably well for the Roca Team, who came out ahead in the scoring, but they faltered in the second quarter, scoring only eight points against their opponents’ 22 and went into the locker room with an eight-point deficit.  

But they came back out swinging and regained the lead with a brilliant third quarter showing and a solid fourth quarter. In the end – though far too close for comfort – the Roca Team squeaked out a win to beat the French side 68-72.  

“We scared ourselves, but in the French championship, all the matches are difficult,” said Donatas Motiejunas. “Gravelines has good players and supportive fans. We had the necessary resources to be better in the second half and win. I’m happy with my guys.” 

Alpha Diallo and John Brown III tied for the highest scores with 13 points apiece, and there were decent showings from Matthew Strazel and Mike James too, who each scored eight.  

The next game will be a EuroLeague away fixture against Alba Berlin on 14th March. 

 SEE ALSO:

Roca Team’s Mike James crowned best scorer in Euroleague history

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Photo credit: AS Monaco

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Fête du Citron lures a record 200,000 visitors despite uncooperative weather

More than 100,00 people attended the famous corsos and parades of Menton’s 2024 Fête du Citron while a total 200,000 visitors are estimated to have made the trip to the seafront town during the course of the event. 

Despite poor weather causing the cancellation of one of the biggest parades of the festival, Menton Mayor Yves Juhel has hailed this year’s event as a “record edition”. 

The traditional winter festival, which has been held in Menton since 1934, saw its revenue boosted by 45% compared to 2023 thanks in part to the numerous side events, such as lemon grove tours, the orchid flower market and behind-the-scenes experiences, that added another layer of interest and intrigue to the programme.

Spectators came from all over the world, not just France, to enjoy the festival, including Italy, the UK, Belgium, Canada, the US, China and Japan.

Following the conclusion of the lemon and orange-themed extravaganza, which took place from 17th February to 3rd March, Mayor Juhel announced the theme for next year’s Fête du Citron: A Journey in the Stars. The theme of the 2024 edition was the Olympics in homage to the upcoming Games in Paris in the summer. 

Check out the video below to get a taste of the 2024 edition: 

 

 

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SEE ALSO:

Marché de la Condamine to go green for St Patrick’s Day

 

Photo source: Ville de Menton

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Four chances to catch Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment in Monaco

The delightful and inventive comic opera La Fille du Régiment is coming to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo later this month with Regula Mühlemann in the title role of an orphaned girl who was raised by an army regiment. 

Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment – or The Girl of the Regiment in English – was first performed at the Opéra Comique in Paris in February 1840. At the time, it was described as a “barely averted disaster” by the famous composer-critic Hector Berlioz, but proved hugely popular with audiences, who loved the lightness of the plot and its extraordinary musical score. 

The two-act performance is based on a libretto by Jules Henry Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean-François Bayard, and was adapted for the stage by composer Donizetti, who made it truly his own.  

The story is of Marie, a girl who was found as a baby on a battlefield and raised like a daughter by the men of the 21st Regiment. As she grows up, her foster-father, Sulpice, insists she must marry a soldier from the regiment, but Marie has other ideas; she has fallen in love with a Tyrolean peasant called Tonio and intends to follow her own path.  

Now coming to Monaco, this latest rendition will be presented under the direction of Jean-Louis Grinda, with Regula Mühlemann in the role of Marie. Sharing the stage with her will be Javier Camarena as Tonio, who is set to perform the opera’s famous aria that demands that the tenor hits an astounding nine high Cs in one song.  

A gala show will be held on 26th March at 8pm, with three additional performances scheduled for 24th March at 3pm, 28th March at 8pm and 30th March, also at 8pm.  

For tickets and more information, click here

Read related:

Actor John Malkovich to join Cecilia Bartoli on stage in Monaco this April

 

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Photo source: Opéra de Monte-Carlo 

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