Gianluigi Gelmetti. Photo provided to China Daily

During a recent interview with China Daily, Gelmetti said that in the 16th century, during the reign of Hercule Grimaldi, the Palace of Monaco was the center of great artistic and musical activities. This artistic commitment continued under the leadership of various princes of the principality that lies on the French Riviera.

In 1856, during the reign of Charles III, the orchestra was formed and took different names, such as the National Orchestra of the Monte Carlo Opera in 1953, and then under its current name the Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte-Carlo in 1980.

As for the works being performed during the China tour, the conductor said that he wanted the program to bring out the international and cosmopolitan aspects of the orchestra because pieces by masters from the pillars of European music -- Italy, France and Germany -- were being played by the orchestra.