Prince Albert shares emotional farewell as Monaco marks the end of an era

Prince Albert II attended one of the Principality’s most symbolic cultural events of the summer as he welcomed guests to the Prince’s Palace for the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s closing concert, an evening that also marked the end of an important chapter in the orchestra’s history. 

Held on Aug. 6 in the palace’s historic Cour d’Honneur, the annual open-air performance featured an acclaimed program dedicated to Franz Liszt and Maurice Ravel, with celebrated French pianist Alexandre Kantorow joining the orchestra. 

The concert carried added significance as it served as Kazuki Yamada’s final appearance as the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra’s artistic and musical director after nearly a decade leading the prestigious ensemble. 

A heartfelt farewell for Kazuki Yamada

Following the performance, Prince Albert personally greeted Yamada, warmly embracing the Japanese conductor in a touching moment captured by the Palace. 

© FRANK PERRY

The sovereign later watched as the maestro received flowers and a standing ovation from both musicians and audience members, underscoring the affection and admiration he earned throughout his tenure.

Yamada first began working with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest conductor before being appointed artistic and musical director in 2016. 

© FRANK PERRY

During his leadership, he helped strengthen the orchestra’s international profile through acclaimed performances, recordings and collaborations with some of classical music’s most celebrated soloists. 

His tenure officially concludes this summer before a new artistic chapter begins under incoming music director Nathalie Stutzmann. 

A longstanding royal tradition

Prince Albert’s attendance also highlighted the close relationship between Monaco’s royal family and the arts. 

© Stephane Cardinale – Corbis

Since 1959, the Prince’s Palace has transformed each summer into one of Europe’s most spectacular open-air concert venues, welcoming thousands of music lovers to performances by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in its historic courtyard. 

Against the backdrop of the illuminated palace, Yamada led the orchestra through an elegant program that paired Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by Alexandre Kantorow, with Maurice Ravel’s music, creating an emotional finale worthy of the conductor’s farewell season. 

© Toni Anne Barson Archive

While Monaco’s royal calendar is often associated with state ceremonies and official engagements, the evening served as a reminder of another of Prince Albert’s priorities, championing the Principality’s rich cultural life. 

As the audience rose to applaud Kazuki Yamada one final time, the closing concert became more than the end of a summer season, it also marked the close of a memorable era for one of Monaco’s most treasured artistic institutions.