More news about how Monaco is celebrating the Prince's wedding
The Principality's microbrewery, Brasserie de Monaco is to brew a special beer commemorating the wedding of Prince Albert And Charlene. Using cranberries to give it a slightly pink body with a white head, the limited edition white beer is designed to evoke romance, love and the colours of the Monegasque flag. You'll be able to toast the newlyweds with a glass from 1st July. (1)
On a more solemn note, preparations have been going on for several months to ensure that the 2nd July wedding mass music will be fitting for the occasion and meet the wishes of Prince Albert. Led by Master of the Palace Chapel, Pierre Debat has a team of the 4 top musical directors of Monaco: Director of the Opera Jean-Louis Grinda, artistic advisor of the Philharmonic Orchestra Chandler Cudlipp, Director of the Opera Choir Stefano Visconti, and Cathedral organist Olivier Vernet. Debat isn't giving anything away as far as the composers and tunes are concerned. However we do know that 77 musicians of the Philharmonic Orchestra are taking part, with the Opera Choir. Two organs are to be installed, international soloists have been contacted and South African artists are expected to take part. All will be revealed a few days before the ceremony.
Local businessman Kamyar Moghadam has been chosen to provide the red carpet that Charlene's father will lead her along on the way into the Palace. Fashion for Floors is creating a 200 m long and 2 m wide red carpet made from pure New Zealand wool and silk. After the wedding it's to be cut up, sections numbered and signed by the happy couple. Each piece is to be auctioned and funds donated to the Fondation Albert II and the future Princess' charity.
(1) UPDATE: The Brasserie's special wedding beer proved so popular that it sold all 6500 pints in just 2 days.
