Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day a day early, the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco hosted an afternoon of music and singing in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II and His Children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
Pupils from the Académie de Musique ‘Fondation Prince Rainier III de Monaco’ displayed their talent under the caring eye of Director Jade Sapolin.
A harpist, three harpsichordists and a singer regaled the audience with traditional Irish airs, including the famous Molly Malone tune, music by Irish composer Turlough O’Carolan and arrangements by Janet Harbison, Ireland’s award-winning ‘Queen of the Harp’.
The afternoon ended with a presentation of apple tarts, decorated with shamrocks, made by pupils from the Lycée Technique & Hôtelier de Monaco.
Prince Albert and guests also enjoyed the photo exhibition of the 2021 visit to Ireland by the Sovereign Prince and His Children.
Director of the Library Paula Farquharson took the opportunity to announce the prolonged duration of the exhibition until April 30.
Highlights include a ceremony at Trinity College Dublin, where a frieze was unveiled with the name of HSH Prince Albert II as a benefactor. The Sovereign’s donation contributes to the restoration project of Trinity’s ‘Old Library’. A working library since 1732, it is home to over 200,000 ancient books, including the celebrated ‘Book of Kells’. At the PGIL visitors can see a beautiful facsimile of this medieval Irish manuscript from the ninth century.
