Rich Summer Calendar of the Old Philharmonic

A common point emphasized by all speakers was the importance of the events for the development of young apprentice musicians.

CORFU. The Corfu Philharmonic Society (F.E.K. – “Old Philharmonic”) presented its summer artistic activities at a press conference in the event hall of its building.

At the press conference, the President of the Philharmonic, Spyros Padovas, the conductor of the symphony orchestra, Alkis Baltas, the band conductor, Spyros Prosoparis, the head of the percussion ensemble, Nikos Metallinos, and the head of the children’s choir, Rania Dakanali, spoke to the press in order. The press conference was coordinated by Christos Loubros.

It is worth mentioning that, beyond the organizational effort required due to the number and variety of events, a common point emphasized by all speakers was the importance of these events (and, by extension, the overall operation of the musical ensembles and the Philharmonic in general) for the development of young apprentice musicians.

The detailed schedule of the Old Philharmonic includes the following events:

• Monday, June 10, 19:30, Scout Hall of Corfu: Musical theater performance by the Children’s Choir of F.E.K. (Preparatory Sections & 1st Grade Theory) titled “All Unicorns”. Music by Vasilis Pangratis. Script-Lyrics-Direction by Kallia and Rania Dakanali. Teaching-Conducting by Rania Dakanali. (Free admission).
• Friday, June 21, Event Hall of F.E.K.: Concert dedicated to World Music Day with the participation of the Student Orchestra and the Youth Orchestra, performing works by Grieg, Dvorak, Lambelet, and others. Conducted by Flora Klimi. (Free admission).
• Thursday, June 27, 21:00, Old Fortress: Music and dance performance by the Percussion Ensemble of F.E.K. and the “Danzarte” Dance School of Katerina Pagiataki. About 40 musicians and 150 dancers will participate. Choreographies by Katerina Pagiataki. Conducting and teaching of the Percussion Ensemble by Nikos Metallinos and Dimitris Aspiotis. (Admission: 8 euros – part of the proceeds will support the fight of little Nikola).
• Friday, July 5, Ionian Academy: Concert of the Symphony Orchestra with eight young soloists of the Philharmonic, performing works by Bach, Beethoven, Glazunov, Paganini, and others. Conducted by Alkis Baltas. (Free admission).
• Sunday, July 14, 21:00, Kapodistrias Museum (Evropouli): Concert by the Band for the Anniversary of the French Revolution, under the auspices of the French Consulate of Corfu and honorary consul Florent Cavvadas. Conducted by Spyros Prosoparis. Soloists: Despina Mouratidi (soprano), Petros Karidis (baritone), Hector Delaportas and Konstantinos Sourvinos (xylophone). (Admission by invitation).
• Monday, July 22, 21:15, Scout Hall of Corfu: Concert by the Band titled “Rena Vlachopoulou Forever – Rena Vlachopoulou for the Band,” marking 20 years since the death of the Corfiot actress. The event is organized by the Association of Old Scouts of the 1st System of Corfu, with participation from the Lyceum of Greek Women. Conducted by Spyros Prosoparis. Singer: Elena Ristova. (Free admission).
• Sunday, July 28, 21:00, Solomos Square (Zakynthos): Concert by the Band featuring works by Corfiot and Zakynthian composers, marking 200 years since the writing of “Hymn to Liberty” by Dionysios Solomos and 150 years since the first publication of its initial composition by Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos Mantzaros. The event is organized by the Solomos Museum & Eminent Zakynthians and the traditional music ensemble “Tragoudistades tsi Zakynthos” also participates in the concert. Conducted by Spyros Prosoparis. Soloist: Dionysis Sourbis (baritone). (Free admission).
• Sunday, August 11, Upper Square Stage: Concert by the Band as part of the established celebrations in memory of the miracle of Saint Spyridon. The program will include works related to the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the institution of the Olympic Games (“Olympic Hymn” by Spyros Samaras), and the recent trip of F.E.K. to New York. Conducted by Spyros Prosoparis. Soloists: Simone Haiger, Spyros Vradis (euphonium), and other young musicians of F.E.K. (Free admission).
• Saturday, September 14, 20:00, “Melina Mercouri” Summer Municipal Theater (Volos): Concert by the Band following invitations from the Region of Thessaly and the Reserve Officers Association of Magnesia, with participation from the Volos Music School. The concert will take place as part of broader events marking 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and 80 years of operation of the Reserve Officers Association of Magnesia, and the program will include a small tribute to composer George Katsaros. Conducted by Spyros Prosoparis. Singers: Agathi Koskina, Pantelis Kontos.