The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra offered another unforgettable performance on Sunday, May 11, at the Rainier III Auditorium, with an American music programme elevated by the extraordinary talents of Cuban pianist Jorge Luis Prats…
The evening, conducted by Lio Kuokman, featured works by Rachmaninoff, Barber, and Bernstein, with Prats captivating the audience through his interpretation of George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F major.
Known for his electrifying stage presence and emotional depth, Prats brought a powerful energy to the concert, blending classical precision with Cuban rhythm and jazz influences. His passionate performance and spontaneous flourishes offered not only technical brilliance but an evocative, heartfelt connection with the audience.
“I take all the possible risks,” he told the audience with a smile, joking that he “destroyed the piano” during the performance due to the intensity of his playing. That intensity, however, translated into a unique artistic experience, one that the orchestra and concertgoers alike seemed to relish. Prats explained that while rehearsal revealed a certain restraint, the live performance brought out the orchestra’s true character: “another lion,” as he put it.
The concert was a celebration of rhythm, soul, and cultural fusion, echoing Prats’ own insight that Cuban music and jazz live not in the tempo, but in the hips, a dance of emotion rather than time. With another full house and enthusiastic applause, the OPMC continues to delight audiences and affirm its place at the heart of Monaco’s vibrant musical life.
Image: Monaco Info
