Corfu Philharmonic Orchestras

One of its special features Corfu they are her philharmonic orchestras. When Sundays coincide with New Year (New Year's Eve), or when there are feasts of saints - big or small, in the capital or in the villages -, the Corfu Philharmonic Orchestras with musicians in colorful costumes playing and giving a joyful and festive tone.

The Corfu Philharmonic Orchestras continue a tradition that began during the period of English supremacy, when in 1837, the British refused to accompany with their own band the procession of St. Spyridon. Then they said Corfu "That's how you are; we will make our own". Thus, in 1840 the first philharmonic orchestra was founded, the "Corfu Philharmonic Society" setting the example for many others to spring up.

In Corfu they exist today 17 Philharmonic Orchestras (eg the “Old","Mantjaros", and "Capodistria”In the city, and in the villages of Gastouri, Skripero, Korakiana, Lefkimi, Sinarada, Avliota, Lakonia, Kontokali, etc.) of which 4 are located and active within its borders Municipality of Corfu - and gather around 2000 members musicians. Is non-profit companies and aim at the promotion and development of the Corfu music tradition and education, which constantly supplies the pan-Hellenic musical body with creators. The Corfu Philharmonic Orchestra plays a leading role in the festive, cultural events of the Municipality of Corfu but also outside the borders of the island.

The founding of the Corfu Philharmonic Society in 1840 - known in Corfu as “Old Philharmonic"-, apart from the problem with the British, it is also due to the general climate of creating clubs and companies that flourished in Europe at that time and which the people of Corfu knew well, thanks to their studies at European universities.

Η Philharmonic Society of Corfu Since its foundation, it has been fortunate to have the composer Nikolaos Halikiopoulos Mantzaros as its teacher, the composer of the National Anthem, who literally dedicated his life to teaching music and was until his death, in 1872, the soul of the institution. The band of the Corfu Philharmonic Society was the first to perform the National Anthem and played the 1896 at the first Olympic Games at the Kallimarmaro Stadium in Athens, the "Olympic Anthem" by the Corfiot composer Spyros Samaras.

The culture of everyday life in Corfu, thanks to its philharmonic orchestras, holds up well.