In the historic main courtyard of the Prince’s Palace, an exceptional open-air concert took place last night, led by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and featuring pianist David Fray…
Under the direction of Charles Dutoit, the programme included Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Ravel’s Noble and Sentimental Waltzes, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with nearly 1,000 music lovers in attendance.
Organised with military precision, the evening unfolded under the supervision of Colonel Luc Fringant, who oversees the logistical and ceremonial details of these annual palace concerts. “Everything is settled,” he noted, highlighting the deep passion of the team involved and their commitment to maintaining the tradition first established by Prince Rainier III in 1959. Even the palace chimes are silenced during performances, a task that falls to Colonel Fringant himself.
Although once a strictly black-tie affair, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has relaxed the dress code in recent years to encourage broader participation. Nonetheless, city attire remains expected, and filming or photography is discouraged out of respect for the palace’s private character.
Colonel Fringant, who also attends rehearsals, shared his joy at experiencing the concerts from both a professional and personal perspective: “I enjoy the concert twice as much,” he said, reflecting on the privilege of connecting with the artists and the music on a deeper level.
Image: Monaco Info
