Opéra de Monaco

Did Sarah Bernhardt know, as she graced the Opéra de Monaco stage in 1879, dressed as a nymph, that she was christening a temple of artistic grandeur? The Opéra de Monaco, also known as Salle Garnier, wasn’t initially designed for opera. Prince Charles III envisioned a concert hall within the Monte Carlo Casino complex in the 1870s. It was meant to enrich the cultural landscape of Monaco. Yet, this architectural gem, designed by the same Charles Garnier who masterminded the Paris Opéra Garnier, quickly became a stage for grand operas. The Salle Garnier, significantly smaller than its Parisian counterpart, boasts an ornate style echoing its namesake. Built in a mere eight and a half months, it opened its doors to the world with Bernhardt’s captivating performance. The first opera, Robert Planquette’s “Le Chevalier Gaston,” followed shortly after, setting the stage for a legacy of operatic excellence. The Opéra de Monaco’s fate intertwined with influential figures. Jules Cohen, the first director, brought in the legendary Adelina Patti. Then came Raoul Gunsbourg, director for an impressive sixty years, who propelled the Opéra de Monaco onto the world stage. Gunsbourg, alongside Princess Alice, a fervent opera lover and wife of Prince Albert I, oversaw groundbreaking premieres. These included Berlioz’s “La Damnation de Faust” and Verdi’s “Otello,” featuring the renowned tenor Francesco Tamagno. The early 20th century saw luminaries like Nellie Melba and Enrico Caruso gracing the Opéra de Monaco’s stage. They performed in beloved operas such as “La Bohème” and “Rigoletto.” Feodor Chaliapin premiered Massenet’s “Don Quichotte,” marking a long association between the composer and the opera house. The Opéra de Monaco also became a birthplace for new works, hosting world premieres by composers like Saint-Saëns, Mascagni, and Puccini. This small yet magnificent opera house has witnessed a parade of stars and groundbreaking performances. It continues to hold a special place in the heart of Monaco’s cultural scene.