World Report

Composer Georgios Katsaros

usic is to be heard all over Corfu, where it has played a leading role in the island’s cultural life since ancient times. The first opera ever to be performed in the Balkans was staged on the island during Venetian rule, both the Greek national anthem and the Olympic Hymn were composed there and Corfu Town boasts the oldest band in Greece.

Further enhancement will be given to the island’s musical profile with the inauguration of a new Corfiot Festival of Music this year.

A high percentage of the musicians in the orchestras in Athens and Thessaloniki come from Corfu. “Music is an important part of our culture,” says Corfiot composer Georgios Katsaros. “There are 20 philharmonic orchestras on the island. In one small village, 100 of the 500 residents are members of the orchestra.”

For generations it has been a tradition for all schoolchildren to learn music and a musical instrument. Most schools have their own instruments.

Mr Katsaros would like to see more investment in promoting the island’s musicality both nationally and internationally.
He says that the creation of musical summer schools or organised music events could be used to increase and improve tourism. “Any form of initiative or foreign investment to promote the musical and cultural side of Corfu would be very welcome.”