Monte Carlo Jazz Festival 2016, under the sign of diversity

Under the magic aura of Opera Garnier Monte Carlo, the Artistic Director of Monte Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer, Jean-Rene Palacio, introduced us to the programmation of the 11th edition of Monte Carlo Jazz Festival.

Legend jazz names for the Festival

For the 11th edition and the 10th anniversary of Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, the ambiance will capture the diversity of its genre, calling to all ages and talents from around the globe. Jazz lovers will be enchanted by great names like Al Jarreau and Wayne Shorter and also big stars of the moment like Richard Bona, Ibrahim Maalouf and Manu Katche. On the time line there will be the sounds of tomorrow also through musical notes of Airelle Besson, Sarah Lancman, the duo Malia and Andre Manoukian, Alune Wade and Harold Lopez Nussa.

The variety of the Festival will include a special evening in the presence of Robert Charlebois who will celebrate 50 years of music. Madeleine Peyroux will be part of the programme also with her new album, Secular Hymns.

And, in order, to prove us once again that jazz has infinite ways of expressing its vibes, this edition will take us to Latino African styles. This way, Angelique Kidjo will celebrate African women with her album «Eve » mixing soul, African percutions and feminine choir through a musical journey that will walk us from USA up to Kenya and Benin.

Lambert Wilson brings Yves Montand back on the stage

One of the biggest surprises of this Festival is the presence of the actor Lambert Wilson who will bring Yves Montand back on the stage along with 6 musicians. Among the pieces that will enchant us there will be La bicyclette, Les grands boulevards, Les bijoux - a great hommage to Montand, 25 years after his disappearance. We can see in Lambert Wilson the Yves Montand style without losing his originality.

« He uses words in order to tell a story. We are very close to the sensuality of the articulation. », Lambert Wilson said.

The 11th edition of Monte Carlo Jazz Festival respects its values and freedom towards other musical genres. That is one of the reasons that this year's programme keeps its diversity and is open « to all senses » as Mr Jene-Rene Palacio said at the press conference.

The Festival is open from November 24th till December 3rd. The jazzy ambiance will be kept all around the Casino with the orchestra Funk Off, Mike Sanchez and other artists to perform for the audience.

Editor Andra Oprea