The island’s melodious soul
Music is an integral part of daily life and the collective identity of Corfu. With over 18 active philharmonic orchestras, the island boasts the largest and most vibrant tradition of philharmonic orchestras and choirs in Greece.
Corfu Philharmonic Society
The Corfu Philharmonic Society, known as the "Old Philharmonic," forms a cornerstone of Greece's musical heritage, established in 1840 as the nation's oldest music education organisation. Inspired by Italian music academies, its mission was to provide comprehensive, free music education. Throughout its history, it has been linked with noted composers, including Nikolaos Mantzaros, and has nurtured generations of composers, soloists, and conductors.
Its band holds historical significance, having first performed the National Anthem in 1864 and the Olympic Anthem in 1896. Today, the Philharmonic continues its dynamic activities with a band, symphony orchestra, wind band, educational programmes, concerts, and a Museum of Music, keeping Corfu’s cultural and musical spirit alive.
Musical events and festivals
The philharmonic orchestras are at the heart of every significant island event. You will see, and more importantly, hear them filling the narrow streets with melodies on Sunday mornings, providing the rhythm for the carnival, and combining grandeur with religious solemnity during Holy Week and Easter.
Corfu simultaneously hosts noteworthy musical and cultural events annually, the highlight being the Corfu Festival, which encompasses concerts, theatrical performances, opera, and contemporary artistic productions within iconic venues such as the Municipal Theatre and the Old Palaces.
Should your travels bring you to Corfu in August, you might encounter romantic 'barcarolles' illuminating the harbours, while gastronomic festivals and folk celebrations, featuring violins and Corfiot 'syrtos' dance, connect music with local life and collective memory. Whatever the season, a visit to Corfu offers the chance to discover its cultural heritage in the most melodious way.
Corfu Philharmonic Society
The Corfu Philharmonic Society, known as the "Old Philharmonic," forms a cornerstone of Greece's musical heritage, established in 1840 as the nation's oldest music education organisation. Inspired by Italian music academies, its mission was to provide comprehensive, free music education. Throughout its history, it has been linked with noted composers, including Nikolaos Mantzaros, and has nurtured generations of composers, soloists, and conductors.
Its band holds historical significance, having first performed the National Anthem in 1864 and the Olympic Anthem in 1896. Today, the Philharmonic continues its dynamic activities with a band, symphony orchestra, wind band, educational programmes, concerts, and a Museum of Music, keeping Corfu’s cultural and musical spirit alive.
Musical events and festivals
The philharmonic orchestras are at the heart of every significant island event. You will see, and more importantly, hear them filling the narrow streets with melodies on Sunday mornings, providing the rhythm for the carnival, and combining grandeur with religious solemnity during Holy Week and Easter.
Corfu simultaneously hosts noteworthy musical and cultural events annually, the highlight being the Corfu Festival, which encompasses concerts, theatrical performances, opera, and contemporary artistic productions within iconic venues such as the Municipal Theatre and the Old Palaces.
Should your travels bring you to Corfu in August, you might encounter romantic 'barcarolles' illuminating the harbours, while gastronomic festivals and folk celebrations, featuring violins and Corfiot 'syrtos' dance, connect music with local life and collective memory. Whatever the season, a visit to Corfu offers the chance to discover its cultural heritage in the most melodious way.
