Shirley Bassey Honored at This Year's 5th Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco

Shirley Bassey Honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Music Award' at This Year's 5th Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards

An evening filled with splendor and heartfelt emotion took place during the 5th edition of the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards, hosted in the Principality of Monaco. This esteemed charitable event has established itself as an annual tradition, held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

This year's glamorous gala, dedicated to children, was spearheaded by the President of the event, Ms. Ioanna Efthimiou-a renowned painter residing in Monaco. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable night at the iconic Monte Carlo Opera House, Salle Garnier, where illustrious guests from all over the world assembled for a radiant tribute to the arts.

The evening was presented by Greek PR manager and opera singer George Davlas, a passionate devotee of Maria Callas. In addition to hosting, he graced the audience with a moving operatic performance during the evening's concert.

Serving as this year's Honorary Ambassador was distinguished Greek lawyer Theodora Michaloliakou, who presented awards to rising classical music talents from across the globe-young artists who impressed on the legendary stage of Salle Garnier.

The two-day celebration included an exclusive fine dining experience at the famed Café de Paris, a landmark of the Principality. On April 25, the Maria Callas Opera Gala followed at Salle Garnier, commemorating the legacy of the legendary Diva, Maria Callas. The gala celebrated both artistic excellence and humanitarian contributions, recognizing notable individuals for their charitable and environmental efforts.

The first award recipient of this year's Maria Callas Monaco Awards was the internationally acclaimed singer Shirley Bassey, who deeply moved the audience at the opera house with her poignant appearance and words.

Additional honorees included acclaimed performer Plácido Domingo Jr., son of the opera icon; Princess Olimpia Colonna Di Paliano of Rome, who made a rare and captivating appearance; John Christodoulou, a philanthropic figure admired in Monaco; the global NGO AMADE-founded in 1963 by Princess Grace of Monaco; Fabien Cousteau, ocean conservationist and grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau; as well as maritime innovators Nicolas Sarrut and Greek yachting entrepreneur Vasiliki Grigoratou.

The evening concluded with a dazzling opera concert featuring performances by Plácido Domingo Jr., Victoria Bulieieva, George Davlas, Elena Kelessidi, Simone Piazzola, Greta Cipriani, and Giuseppe Vaccaro.

One of the most unforgettable highlights of the night was a mesmerizing artificial intelligence projection that resurrected Maria Callas on stage-leaving the audience in awe.

Once again, the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards delivered an unforgettable experience that will be remembered as a landmark celebration.