The "Spiros Samaras" Philharmonic Society of Korakiana

Founded in 1958, this is one of Corfu's largest musical and cultural associations. It teaches the art of music, singing, drama, dance, the Arts, and much more. Its aim is to maintain, improve and hand on the cultural heritage of the area. The main body of the Philharmonic (the band) consists of about 100 musicians. In addition, the following sections also exist: the Bandina, a light music orchestra, and various musical groups.

The first appearance by the Musical Society took place on 25 March 1961 in Ano Koriakana, and on 2 April 1961, Palm Sunday, in the town of Corfu, and was considered an important event in the musical tradition of Corfu. It takes part in all the cultural and other events of the island. On 21 May 1975, at the Province's Philharmonic Festival, it took first prize. The Academy of Athens, in recognition of the significant work of the Philharmonic Society, presented it with an award in October 2000.

The Philharmonic Society is a great asset to Korakiana, to the Municipality of Faiakes, and to Corfu in general, and is one of the most authentic components of the island's heritage. Both musical and cultural organisation, it is a nucleus of cultural activity, affording a highly professional grounding in music for the young, with excellent results.

The Sinarades Philharmonic Orchestra.

Founded on 1 April 1962, the Sinarades Philharmonic Orchestra is today a fully-fledged music school with a two-year programme of tuition in theory and practice, and student entry into its band. It consists of the main orchestra with 94 musicians and a small band of 24 musicians. It has many activities: it takes part in all the national holidays and community events of the village, as well as in events organised by the Municipality of Corfu and others outside the island.

 

The "Kapodistria" Philharmonic Association.

Established in 1980, this is one of Corfu's largest and most important cultural bodies, teaching music and having the goal of maintaining, improving and handing on the cultural heritage of Corfu both on the island itself and also beyond its shores. It supports schools of theory, the rudiments of music and melody, higher theory, wood and brass wind instruments, percussion, computer music, and modern optical acoustic technology. Approximately 200 students a year are taught free of charge by 25 teachers. The main body of the Association, the orchestra, consists of 150 musicians, while the following sections also exist: the small band, an orchestra of light and variety music, a show band and a 16-member brass ensemble. Each section has a different uniform, always, however, in the colours of the Association: red and black. The Orchestra gives at least 6 or 7 concerts a year, with classical music, excerpts from opera and operettas, in winter at the bandstand at the Upper Esplanade. It participates in religious festivals and community events throughout Greece, and has taken part with distinction in many international festivals.

 

The "Gerasimos Markoras" Philharmonic Society of Kato Korakiana

Founded in 1962, it takes its name from the village's first teacher. Its first appearance took place in the village in 1984, and its first official performance in Corfu was on Palm Sunday in 1987.

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Corfu

This began as a children's choir in 1990 and extended its activities to a children's band, with the financial support of the residents of the area. In 1994 it was officially registered as a Musical Society, with Minas Ertso as teacher. Its first public appearance was at the Agia Triada Epitaphios procession in Kontokali a year later. Since then its appearances have been regular, especially at the Epitaphios, the Resurrection, at Christmas and the New Year. More frequent are the performances by the Orchestra during the summer, not only in Kontokali but also at cultural events organized by the Municipality of Corfu and the Nomarch's Department. Today the Kontokali Philharmonic has 40 children in its classes, studying music. There are two other teachers apart from Minas Ertso.

 

The "Agios Nikolaos" Philharmonic Association of Lakones

Founded in 1990, the initiative of the women's society of the village. Since 1992 it has taken part in all the island's religious festivals. It consists of 45 musicians and 90 members.

The Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Thinalion

The Municipal Philharmonic of Thinalion was formed in 1993 on the initiative of the Municipal authorities. A total of about 100 children, boys and girls, attend its lessons. About 50 children take part in its performances. The Orchestra includes wind instruments, brass and percussion, numbering about 65 instruments.

The Philharmonic Orchestra takes part each year in the official local processions, in national holiday celebrations, and in the Epitaphios processions of Good Friday. It is present at numerous other events which take place in the municipality, such as the presentation of awards to individuals, oath-taking ceremonies, fraternisation with other municipalities, etc. During the period 1997-99 a musical archive of about 100 works was created, and is constantly being added to. In this way the repertoire of the musicians was greatly enriched and the abilities of the performers have been obvious at the concerts which have taken place.