The Music Department 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.

The Ionian Society of Historical Studies
History Dept. of the Ionian University, 72 Ioannis Theotoki St., 49100 Corfu.

Founded in 1992 at the instigation of students, lecturers and graduates of the History Dept of the Ionian University. Members are for the most part students, graduates and teachers. The society publishes the scientific journal 'About History' . Its aim is to promote fruitful historical speculation and discussion about the approach to Ionian history, research into unknown aspects of modern Greek history (wartime and postwar Greece), as well as the encouragement of new researchers and scientists.

Amongst its other activities, the Society also arranges meetings and lectures on historical, literary and general scientific subjects.

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 and perpetuating in its own way the musical tradition of Corfu.

The Corfu Music Conservatory

The Musical Conservatory of Corfu was established in 1894 under the name 'Musical Society of Corfu' and its initial aim was to teach and encourage vocal music. Later the name was changed to 'The Corfu Music Conservatory' and it is now the second oldest musical academy still functioning in Greece, after the musical academy of Athens. It incorporates two departments - music and drama. The music department maintains: the Byzantine choir, the chromatic mixed choir, the student symphony orchestra and string orchestra, chamber music groups such as trio, quartet, quintet, etc. In addition, concerts are frequently arranged, the entrance fees for which go to assist various charities.

At the Conservatory today the following studies are carried on: the school of higher theory and history studies with sections on singing, harmony, direction and organisation of an orchestra. There is also a school of composition, studies of wind instruments with departments for flute, clarinet, trumpet, bassoon, etc. There is a school for stringed instruments such as violin, viola, violoncello and bass; and there is a department for music for children of pre-school age. There is a school too for Byzantine ecclesiastical music, as well as studies in solo singing in conjunction with the Municipal Choir of Corfu.

There is now a department for musical computer study and one exploring the use of computers in music. A department of modern music-jazz has been opened, with tuition in electric guitar (jazz, rock), electric bass, keyboards and saxophone. Today the Conservatory has taken another step into the future with the establishment of a school of Greek popular music, teaching bouzouki, baglamas, mandolin and other Greek instruments.

More than 40 teachers are employed by the Conservatory today, and about 450 students attend the various schools.

Municipal Music Conservatory of Lefkimmi

The founding of the Municipal Conservatory of Lefkimmi in 1996 completed the efforts of the Municipality (which already maintains two philharmonic orchestras) in the field of musical education for the young people of southern Corfu. With a steady flow of students - about 65 - it has awarded four degrees and one diploma, but even more important - it has given the young an outlet for their free time and an answer to their artistic needs. The Artistic Director is Nikos Papadimitriou, Professor of the Department of Music Studies of the Ionian University, who leads a teaching staff including teachers from Corfu and Lefkimmi and students from the Music Studies department who hold degrees from other conservatories.