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18 March 2021 Press release

La Princess Grace Irish Library célèbre la Saint Patrick

©Gaetan Luci / Palais princier

On 17 March, on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, students from the Academy of Music and Drama of the Prince Rainier III of Monaco Foundation gave a recital at the Princess Grace Irish Library, in the presence of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, Jade Sapolin, Director of the Academy of Music and members of the Library's Board of Directors.

The concert featured two harpists (Elia Eastwood and Anaïd Conquet) and two harpsichordists (Léo Curran and Marcello Formenti), who presented a programme of Irish pieces - works by the composer Turlough O'Carolan (arranged by Janet Harbison) and traditional tunes.

Three actresses from the Monaco-Ireland Arts Society then gave a staged reading of a short story by Frank O'Connor.

The afternoon came to a close with the presentation of an Irish cake, decorated with a shamrock, made by students of Monaco's Vocational and Catering School (Lycée Technique & Hôtelier de Monaco).

The library is under the aegis of the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation, of which the Sovereign Prince is Vice-President.                                                                                                                          

As the evangeliser of Ireland, Saint Patrick is said to have used a shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish during a sermon at the Rock of Cashel, thus making it the symbol of Ireland (the country's official emblem being the Celtic harp).

The Library in a few points:

  • The Library is a hidden treasure on the Rock;  it pays tribute to Princess Grace's attachment to her Irish roots. It is home to her personal collection of Irish books and Irish-American sheet music.
  • The Library loans English-language books by Irish writers, as well as fine books of historical value. 
  • Lectures and events are held with writers and academics, although due to the current health crisis, activities will tend to take place online.
  • It has been awarded the "Monaco Safe" certification.

Open by appointment on 93 50 12 25 or by e-mail at info@pgil.mc (due to the current health requirements), Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Further Information:

www.pgil.mc

https://www.facebook.com/pgilmonaco

 

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https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Culture/News/The-Princess-Grace-Irish-Library-Celebrates-St.-Patrick-s-Day