Kazuki Yamada conducts the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo at the Mass presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Monaco

On Saturday, 28 March 2026, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will visit the Principality of Monaco as part of an apostolic journey—a day marked by official and spiritual engagements. This visit represents a significant moment in Monaco’s history.

The one-day visit will conclude with a Mass at the Stade Louis II, presided over by the Holy Father and attended by the Princely Family, civil and religious authorities, as well as numerous members of the faithful. 

 The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo (OPMC), under the direction of its Artistic and Music Director Kazuki Yamada, will provide the musical accompaniment for the ceremony, together with the Choir of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the Petits Chanteurs de Monaco, and invited soloists. The musical programme of the Mass will include, among others, arias and cantatas by J. S. Bach, Fauré, Mozart, and Mascagni.

Kazuki Yamada on tolerance and the unifying power of music during the papal visit

What does it mean to you personally to conduct the orchestra during this historic visit of the Pope to Monaco and how do you feel about being involved in such a unique occasion?

I am truly honored. More than anything, that is how I feel. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to perform in the presence of the Pope during his historic first visit to Monaco; it came as a truly great surprise—a delightful and honorable one. It will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I myself am not a person of Catholic faith. I believe that the very fact that such a conductor is permitted to participate in the ceremony shows the tolerance of the Pope and the Catholic community, and I feel a sense of reverential awe toward that tolerance. I think it is truly something special.

Music often plays an important role in religious ceremonies. How do you see the role of music in such a moment of spiritual gathering?

It is certainly true that, since ancient times, music has served as a bridge connecting the living world and the spirit world. Music plays an exceptionally vital role in the spiritual exchange of souls, and I believe it crystallizes the very philosophy of human existence. During ceremonies, music is assigned specific roles to accompany the proceedings, but I believe that beyond those roles, music takes a great spread of wings toward the cosmos. It is precisely because music can transcend various borders that it occupies such a vital position in every religion.

How does the orchestra approach performing for an occasion that combines ceremony, faith and international attention?

Our commitment to performing and delivering the finest music remains unchanged. However, since this is a special performance taking place under historically unprecedented situations in Monaco, there is no doubt that I, along with all the musicians, will take the stage with a unique sense of anticipation. That sense of anticipation may have a positive effect on the music, potentially leading to a different approach than usual. Furthermore, as the OPMC, we are immensely proud and delighted to have the opportunity to perform on a stage that has captured the world’s attention.

Does participating in this historic moment strengthen the orchestra’s identity as a cultural ambassador of Monaco?

In Monaco, music has always been entrusted with the role of ambassador by successive His Highnesses, Princes of Monaco. I believe it is particularly worthy of note that Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, possesses this distinctive characteristic. This is due entirely to the extraordinary appreciation for the arts shared by all the successive His Highnesses, Princes of Monaco and the Royal Family.
I believe that without this cultural legacy in Monaco, the OPMC would not have been able to witness this historic moment. It is quite clear that our participation in this ceremony will serve as an invaluable source of inspiration for our future activities.