Stars gather at Opéra Garnier for Prince Albert II Foundation's 20th gala
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Monica Bellucci, Richard Gere and Christina Aguilera are among the names expected at the foundation's anniversary gala on 18 September at the Opéra Garnier de Monte-Carlo.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation marks its 20th anniversary on 18 September with a major fundraising gala at the Opéra Garnier de Monte-Carlo, drawing an international lineup that includes Monica Bellucci, Richard Gere and Christina Aguilera. The event is one of the most significant in the foundation's calendar, reflecting two decades of work on climate, biodiversity and water resource issues.
Romain Ciarlet, vice-president of the foundation, has been involved in shaping both the programme and the guest list for the evening. The choice of the Opéra Garnier as venue underlines the scale of the occasion, the building on Place du Casino serving as Monaco's most formal setting for high-profile cultural and ceremonial events.
For residents and regular visitors, the gala is likely to bring heightened activity around the Casino Square area on the evening of 18 September. The foundation has grown considerably since Prince Albert II established it in 2006, and this anniversary edition is expected to set a new benchmark for its annual fundraising efforts.