It’s the big sensation of the early year. The famous and majestic Pussycat Dolls will be performing in a major concert event on the upcoming February 17th. Named “International Group of the Year” at the NRJ Music Awards, the five Barbie dolls will be warmed up by the frenzy of Lady Gaga in the opening act.
The other good news comes from comedy. Comedian Gad Elmaleh will be on stage on June 13th and 14th with his one-man show: *Papa est en haut*. The artist had previously been here in 2005 to great success with *L’autre c’est moi*. “These two programs are a source of pride,” assures Hervé Zorgniotti, the head of communications for the establishment.
In terms of painting, the Willy Rizzo exhibition is approaching. From February 19th to April 9th, find the works of this 81-year-old photographer-designer, creator of furniture and objects. The major event of the summer, starting July 11th, is dedicated to Russia. The theme, *Splendors of the Romanovs*, takes you into Russian art from the nineteenth century.
The Grimaldi Forum will be the base camp for Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), organizer of the Tour de France, which is scheduled to start from Monaco on July 4th. From the 2nd, the Press Center and ASO will set up their quarters. This grand celebration is expected to mobilize the entire Principality.
The classics are still present
The first half of 2009 will provide an opportunity to revisit the classics. On the bill for the 4th *Sérénissimes de l’Humour* on March 27th, 28th, and 29th are Anthony Kavanagh, Patrick Timsit, and Liane Foly, now reconverted as an impersonator. From June 7th to 11th, the 49th Television Festival will take place. During this essential event, it will be an opportunity to meet television stars. Then, of course, there are “the ambassadors of Monegasque culture,” emphasizes Hervé Zorgniotti. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Monaco proposes an American evening on May 15th, and the Ballets of Monte-Carlo will perform the famous piece *Faust* (a scholar who sells his soul to the devil) from April 29th to May 3rd. Finally, there are two events featuring ecological vehicles: Ever Monaco 2009 (March 26th to 29th) and Top Marques Monaco (April 16th to 19th).
With a turnover of 13 million euros and reaching the ISO 14001 ecological certification, the year 2008 was very busy for the Grimaldi Forum. 2009 is expected to be just as packed.
