In a convergence of cultural diplomacy and European governance, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo delivered a major performance on Monday, June 15, at the Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France. The concert was organized to mark the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, framing an evening centered on European integration and shared cultural heritages.
The event drew a large audience composed of public attendees alongside high-ranking diplomatic delegations and institutional figures. Among the notable dignitaries present were Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; H.E. Mr. Gabriel Revel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Principality to the Council of Europe; Michel Baly, Honorary Consul of Monaco in Strasbourg; Samuel Vuelta Simon, State Secretary for Justice; and Françoise Gamerdinger, Director of Cultural Affairs for Monaco.
Under the musical direction of conductor Kazuki Yamada, the ensemble dedicated the evening to the repertory of Ludwig van Beethoven, performing several of the composer's canonical works.
The orchestral program commenced with the Coriolan Overture, followed systematically by Romance No. 1 and Romance No. 2. The second half of the performance featured Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, concluding with the definitive "Ode to Joy." The symphonic movement featured a full vocal contingency, incorporating the Chœur de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo alongside a specialized quartet of vocal soloists: soprano Mari Eriksmoen, mezzo-soprano Catriona Morison, tenor Maximilian Schmitt, and baritone Johannes Weisser.
Photo Credits: Candice Imbert