Music in Monaco

Monaco located along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, has from the very early times witnessed development in the field of music. Popularity of Monaco music was encouraged by the Grimaldi family under whom Monaco had been for a long span of time. The rise of Monaco music is further evident from the fact that Prince Rainier 111 came up with a reward for Monegasque musicians.

The first Orchestra came into being in the year 1863 and later it came to be known by the name of Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Concerts were held here and it included people like Richard Strauss, Toscanini, Lorin Maazel and many more. Paul Paray, Igor Markevitch and Laurence Foster were some of the directors.

The Opera of Monte Carlo had been quite successful in promoting Monaco music and was able to find for itself a place in the international arena. This Opera soon came to be known for its unique innovations.

Monaco music also has the presence of the Little singers of Monaco that had its beginning in the early years of the eighteenth century. This choir group of children was founded after a group of children sang liturgies in the Palatine Chapel. In the year 1973, Philippe Debat was ordered by the government of the Principality to move to different countries with a choir that has in it only children. Prince Rainier 111 named this choir, consisting of 26 boys as "My Little Singing Ambassadors".

Monaco music Film Festival is held every year at Monte Carlo. This event aims at celebrating the spirit of music.