The Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo (ONMC) is a classical music ensemble based in Monaco. Founded in 1856, the orchestra has a rich history of performing in some of the world's most prestigious venues and collaborating with renowned conductors and soloists. The ONMC was originally established as the Orchestra of the Société des Bains de Mer, a company that managed the casinos and hotels in Monte-Carlo. The orchestra's first conductor was François-Joseph Fétis, a Belgian composer and musicologist who had previously served as the director of the Brussels Conservatory. Under Fétis's leadership, the orchestra quickly gained a reputation for excellence and began performing regularly at the Monte-Carlo Opera House. Over the years, the ONMC has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Gustave Doret, Paul Paray, and Louis Frémaux. In 1979, the orchestra appointed its first female conductor, Romanian-born conductor and pianist Maria João Pires. Pires served as the ONMC's music director for three years, during which time she led the orchestra in a number of critically acclaimed performances. Today, the ONMC is led by Italian conductor and pianist Gianluigi Gelmetti. Gelmetti has been the orchestra's music director since 2016 and has worked to expand the orchestra's repertoire and collaborations with other musicians and ensembles. The ONMC is made up of approximately 90 musicians, many of whom are from France and Italy. The orchestra's members are highly skilled and have trained at some of the world's most prestigious music schools and conservatories. Over the years, the ONMC has performed in some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, and the Musikverein in Vienna. The orchestra has also collaborated with a number of celebrated soloists, including pianist Martha Argerich, violinist Maxim Vengerov, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. One of the ONMC's most notable performances was its 2011 concert at the Royal Opera House in London. The concert, which was part of the orchestra's European tour, featured a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The performance was widely praised by critics, with The Guardian calling it "a triumph of precision and passion." In addition to its performances, the ONMC has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2005, the orchestra was awarded the Grand Prix de la Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco, an honor that recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts. The ONMC has also been recognized for its commitment to contemporary music, with the orchestra commissioning and performing works by a number of contemporary composers. Overall, the Orchestre National de l'Opéra de Monte-Carlo is a world-renowned classical music ensemble with a rich history of excellence and innovation. With its talented musicians, distinguished conductors, and commitment to artistic excellence, the ONMC is sure to continue delighting audiences around the world for years to come.

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