Every year in Monaco, the Printemps des Arts festival transforms the Principality into one big musical stage. For this year's edition, entitled Utopies-opus1 and running from 11 March to 19 April, the festival has chosen a simple, unifying theme: the instrument. Behind this word lies a powerful idea: to highlight those who bring music to life, and the fascinating «tools» that make it possible. Bruno Mantovani, Artistic Director of the festival, insists: « This is a festival where the heroes are not the performers but the works of art ".
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From the violin to the piano, from the saxophone to the accordion, from percussion to the voice, the festival takes you on a journey of sound through the ages. Because an instrument isn't just an object: it's a story. Today's piano has little in common with the one used by Ludwig van Beethoven. Wind instruments have become more powerful, percussion instruments have taken over contemporary music, and even strings now come in a variety of ancient traditions and modern versions.
From the great classics to today's creations
The programme brings together the centuries. Fans of classical music will find works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Fans of Romanticism will come across Hector Berlioz, while the 20th century will shine through with Olivier Messiaen and Pierre Boulez.
But Printemps des Arts is not content to simply revisit the repertoire: it also gives pride of place to new works. New works will be presented, notably by composer-saxophonist Vincent David, who will be playing amidst the car collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco.
The voice, a universal instrument
It's impossible to talk about instruments without mentioning the voice. It will be in the spotlight from the opening concert, where the ensemble La Venexiana will sing a selection of madrigals by Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) and Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613). The festival will also feature an original video show, TransAntarctic Odyssey, designed by Graciane Finzi, The new exhibition is an invitation to follow the explorer's saga Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) at the Monte Carlo Opera. Battles will also be organised between tenors and countertenors.
Another highlight: the organ will bring Monaco Cathedral to life under the fingers of Olivier Latry, a major figure in this spectacular instrument.
A festival for everyone
The strength of Printemps des Arts lies in its ability to appeal to all kinds of audiences: music lovers, the curious, families and those who simply want to discover something new. It's free for under-25s. From masterpieces of the past to the creations of today, from intimate concerts to grand symphonic frescoes, this year's event promises a wide range of accessible emotions.
In Monaco, spring is more than just a season: it's an invitation to listen in a different way.
Text : Laurence Gremy-Flamand
New product: Concerts at the single price of 20 euros.
Reservations on printempsdesarts.mc or at the Casino de Monte Carlo Atrium box office
