Philharmonics of Corfu

The Philharmonic Societies of Corfu constitute a significant part of the island's cultural heritage, with a history starting in the 19th century.[1]

These are musical ensembles of wind and percussion instruments that participate in religious and national holidays, as well as public and cultural events.[2]

The philharmonic societies also function as centers of music education, offering schools and departments for teaching instruments, choir, and music theory. Today, the philharmonic societies of Corfu continue to play an active role in the social and artistic life of the island, preserving the musical tradition and contributing to the cultural education of young people.[3]

Philharmonic Societies in the City of Corfu (3)

Name Headquarters Uniform Color Uniform Details Establishment Other Information
Corfu Philharmonic Society ("Palaia") City of Corfu   Dark Blue   Maroon September 12, 1840 Oldest philharmonic in Greece. Founded as a center for music education with Mantzaros' vision for a "Music Academy." Approximately 350 people participate, 150 in the Parade Department.
Mantzaros Philharmonic Society City of Corfu   Dark Blue     Cyan, White November 18, 1890 Second historic philharmonic of the city. Maintains an active music body of approximately 300 people, 120 of whom are in the Parade Department.
Kapodistrias Philharmonic Society City of Corfu   Red     Black, White 1980 The newest of the three major philharmonic societies. First appearance on New Year's Day 1980 (45 musicians). 25 teachers teach voluntarily and 250 students attend, 100 in the Parade Department.

Philharmonic Societies in the Corfu Countryside (14)

Name Location (village) Uniform Color Uniform Details Establishment Other Information
Gastouri Philharmonic "I Omonoia" Gastouri   Dark Blue   Maroon March 10, 1898
Kinopiastes Philharmonic Kinopiastes   Dark Blue   Maroon 1966
Kontokali Philharmonic Society Kontokali   Dark Blue   Maroon 1997 Started as a children's choir and band. Maintains approximately 40 students.
Skripero Philharmonic Association Skripero   Dark Blue   Green May 3, 1909 Evolution of a choir. First appearance March 25, 1911.
Lefkimmeans Brotherhood Philharmonic Lefkimmi   Dark Blue   Orange May 25, 1910 Founded by the Lefkimmeans Musical Artistic Union. Dissolved in 1915 due to the Balkan Wars and re-established in 1961.
Lefkimmi Philharmonic Society Lefkimmi   Dark Blue   Green 1911
Ano Korakiana Philharmonic "Spyros Samaras" Ano Korakiana   Dark Blue   Yellow 1958 Award from the Academy of Athens (2000). Maintains schools for theory, rhythmic-melodic solfège, and instruments.
Municipal Philharmonic of Thinalia Acharavi   Red     Yellow, Black — Over 100 students. Has a music archive of 100+ works.
Lakones Philharmonic Union "Saint Nicholas" Lakones   Dark Blue   Maroon 1992 45 musicians and 90 members.
Karousades Philharmonic Karousades   Dark Blue     Maroon, Yellow — Approximately 100 musicians and members.
Avliotes Philharmonic Avliotes   Dark Blue   Maroon — 70 members.
Liapades Philharmonic Liapades   Dark Blue   Light Green —
Sinarades Philharmonic Sinarades   Dark Blue     Yellow, Green April 1, 1962
Agios Mattheos Philharmonic Society "Lorenzos Mavilis" Agios Mattheos   Dark Blue   Maroon —

Most Famous Pieces

Easter

Before the 1st Resurrection

Philharmonic Piece Composer
Corfu P.S. ("Palaia") Adagio Tomaso Albinoni (transcription G. Belli)
Amleto Franco Faccio
Pena E Lutto Paolo Casati
"Mantzaros" P.S. Marcia Funebre Giuseppe Verdi (from the opera Don Carlo)
Sulle Lagrime Corrado M. B. Rinaldis
"Kapodistrias" P.S. Elegia Funebre Mariani
Sventura Mariani
Funeral March (Sonata No. 2, Op. 35) Frédéric Chopin

After the 1st Resurrection

"Oi Grekoi"

References

  1. ^ "The Philharmonics of Corfu". Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece (in Greek). Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  2. ^ "The Philharmonics of Corfu". Visit Corfu. 2023-03-05. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  3. ^ "Philharmonic Societies of Corfu | Corfuin.com - Everything about Corfu - Corfu Portal". www.corfuin.com. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
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