A Musical Farewell: Kazuki Yamada Bids Goodbye to the OPMC with a Memorable Season

After a fruitful decade at the helm of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Kazuki Yamada will bring his journey to a close with the 2025–2026 season. It promises to be a deeply symbolic farewell, shaped by a rich program of emotions, artistic encounters, and musical tributes that reflect both his legacy and his bond with the ensemble.

“Today, I feel at home at the OPMC,” Yamada writes in the season’s foreword, describing this ten-year chapter as both a culmination and a new beginning. His farewell will be marked by an inspiring season, highlighted by the presence of renowned Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández as Artist in Residence.

Winner of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition and a Sony Classical exclusive artist, Ferrández previously performed with the OPMC in 2024 alongside Anne-Sophie Mutter. “I was completely captivated by his depth of expression,” Yamada recalls. “His extraordinary technique and profoundly moving interpretations will bring joy and vitality to our audiences. Having him in Monaco for a full season is a real privilege.”

A season of tributes and universal resonance

The OPMC’s 2025–2026 season is a sweeping musical canvas where tradition and innovation converge. Four composers take the spotlight: Dmitri Shostakovich, Maurice Ravel, Carl Maria von Weber—commemorating 200 years since his death—and Manuel de Falla, born 150 years ago.

The 36 concerts of the Grande Saison will be accompanied by solo recitals, chamber music evenings, and the beloved Musical Happy Hours. One of the season’s major highlights is the return of the Mozart Festival, taking place from January 20 to 24, 2026, featuring a performance of the Requiem under Yamada’s baton.

The Maestro’s final concert, set for June 2026, will feature Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, chosen for its powerful message of peace and human fraternity. “Music brings us together,” Yamada says. “There could be no better way to say goodbye.”

A brilliant start to a rich season

The first ten performances already set the tone for a varied and emotionally charged season:

• The season opens on September 21 with Kazuki Yamada and Pablo Ferrández performing works by Saint-Saëns and Strauss.

• On September 28, Mikhaïl Pletnev will conduct a program featuring Haydn, Shchedrin, and Shostakovich.

• Other highlights include performances by Alondra de la Parra, Zubin Mehta, baritone Matthias Goerne, pianist Maria João Pires, and more top-tier artists.

The OPMC’s programming seeks to reach a broad and diverse audience, offering experiences that span classical and modern repertoires with a strong focus on emotional and artistic excellence.

🎟️ Tickets & Practical Info

Tickets on sale via montecarloticket.com and at the Atrium box office (Place du Casino de Monte-Carlo), open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

❗ Box office closed for summer break: August 8 to September 1 inclusive
📞 Phone: +377 92 00 13 70
📧 Email: atrium@opmc.mc

Full season program available on the OPMC website.