Tradition and History

From ancient times Corfu maintains a continuous and rich musical tradition. The Odyssey Homer mentions Dimodoko superb singer who sang in honor of Ulysses in the dinner prepared for the king Alkinoos. Music has been the frontrunner of the arts in Corfu since the first opera was performed in the San Giacomo theatre during the Venetian rule. This was also the first opera ever performed in the Balkans and, in fact, in the eastern Mediterranean region. Corfu's first brass band was established here in 1840. Music is everywhere. At the religious fiestas, in the winding lanes of the Old Town, in all the Corfiot homes and even in the famous sing-song Corfu accent. Everything here is melodic.

Throughout the summer Corfu is home to many musical happenings. The Music department of the Ionian University holds Summer Schools, with intensive courses covering Cupreous and Wooden Wind and Percussion instruments, Ancient Greek and Roman music, Vocal and Instrumental Performance and Composition, Byzantine Music and Folk musicology, Jazz department, Piano and Old Music. Hundreds of prominent music professors, students and professional musicians, from Greece and abroad, converge on the island to take part in a festival of music. Unique performances are given every night in the squares of the city. The 17 bands of the island give concerts of classical and jazz music on the Upper Liston Square and and the 2 fortresses organized impressive recital. Since 2005, the new institution, the Music Festival of Corfu optimized profile of the musical island.

Today

Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University

The most active and creative artistic sector in Corfu It was founded in 1992 with the aim of upgrading music studies, and specifically of promoting Greek, Byzantine and traditional music, and combining it with contemporary technological applications. In the evenings, students from the Music Department play in establishments around town (in one place rembetika, in another Mediterranean music, or 'Piazzola'). They give recitals in places where until recently only philharmonic orchestras or choirs would perform, and generally, by means of surprise events and 'happenings' they are reviving the musical heritage of Corfu.

Philharmonic Orchestras

The Philharmonic Orchestras of Corfu are renowned throughout the world. They owe their establishment to the general climate in which clubs and societies flourished in Europe during the 19th century, a climate with which the Corfiot studying at European universities had become familiar.The opportunity for the formation of the first Philharmonic society arose during the period of the British Protectorate, when a British military band performed at the island's important events. In 1837 however, the British refused to provide musical accompaniment for Orthodox processions. The Corfiots' reply came three years later, in 1840, when the Philharmonic Society of Corfu was founded. The enthusiastic response to rally round the Society resulted in a surplus of supporters, which in turn led to the creation of a new philharmonic band. With the passage of time the tendency to form similar musical groups extended to the whole island and thus today Corfu has 18 philharmonic orchestras. They are all non-profit making companies with the aim of extending musical education, providing scholarships to exceptional students, and performing at celebrations and events both in and outside Corfu.

Municipal Choir

The Municipal Choir could easily be christened the Corfu Lyrical Theatre, thanks to its activities. From 1991 until now it has presented productions of operas such as Bellini's 'Norma', Mascagni's 'Cavalleria Rusticana', 'La Martire' by Spiros Samara, 'The Murderer's Daughter' by Roboti, 'O Vaftistikos' by Sakkelaridis and Verdi's famous 'La Traviata'. In addition it gives concerts, performing highlights from operas as well as entire symphonic works.

The Corfu Choir

Founded in 1981 with 500 members, this 50-voice choir has given concerts all over Greece, and abroad has taken part in world festivals and international forums, as well as having had the honour of performing at the Vatican in front of the Pope. The choir's repertoire is a journey through the history of choral music and includes pre-classical, classical and contemporary pieces, as well as cantades and pieces from musicals and operas and modern songs.

The Corfu Cantada

The Corfu Cantada was founded in 1954 by Corfiot musicians and choristers, music and song enthusiasts. It is one of the three oldest music and choral groups in Corfu, and is maintained chiefly by its 50 members. It consists of a choir and a group of musicians with guitars and accordions. Apart from the traditional songs and cantades, the repertoire is enriched by both old and modern Greek songs, without this affecting in any way its original identity. The Corfu Cantada has taken part in many concerts and festivals throughout Greece, and has also travelled abroad extensively, inspiring nostalgia and reminiscences in its audiences, and earning warm applause, honouring honouring and perpetuating in its own way the musical tradition of Corfu.