From 20 to 29 November, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival returns to the legendary Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo, inviting music lovers to experience a captivating journey through the many worlds of jazz. Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, this 19th edition promises a harmonious blend of musical mastery, innovation, and emotion.
A Global Celebration of Jazz
This year’s festival embraces the universal language of jazz, weaving together oriental, Caribbean, and European influences. On 21 November, the Franco-Lebanese virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf will pay homage to the Egyptian legend Oum Kalthoum, fifty years after her passing. His reinterpretation of One Thousand and One Nights promises to transport audiences into an enchanting dialogue between East and West.
Island rhythms take centre stage on 26 November, when Jamaican jazz icon Monty Alexander performs alongside bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown. The evening continues in a burst of tropical energy with Colombian salsa maestro Yuri Buenaventura, whose new album Amame adds irresistible warmth to the festival’s atmosphere.
French Greats and Contemporary Voices
The following evening, the soulful Hammond organ of Rhoda Scott, accompanied by David Linx’s powerful vocals, will fill the hall with gospel-inspired energy. Later, Michel Jonasz, together with Manu Katché and Jean-Yves d’Angelo, revisits his most beloved songs in a performance brimming with groove and nostalgia.
Closing the festival on 29 November, the timeless soundscapes of Morcheeba and the haunting voice of Asaf Avidanwill bring a modern, ethereal dimension to this celebration of jazz’s ever-evolving spirit.
A Tribute to Tradition and Innovation
Opening with performances by young talents from the Rainier III Academy, this edition once again reaffirms Monaco’s devotion to culture and musical excellence — a festival where tradition meets the avant-garde in the heart of the Principality.