September 2006

Welcome to our September newsletter.  At the end of this month we will be opening our new office in Agios Georgios (Pagi) on the north west of the island, so for those of you who have already booked or planning to have a holiday in this part of the island please come along and say hello! Don’t forget our inspection trips are now fully operational – just £99 for a full inclusive 3 day trip to find your ideal property.

NEW BUILD PROPERTIES – LOUSTRI

2 x semi-detached 2 storey villas with panoramic seaviews located just a few minutes from the sea. The villas are designed to provide complete privacy. They feature 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the first floor with an open plan fitted kitchen/living/dining room, a shower room a further living room on the ground floor. The price of 385.000 euros includes an inground infinity type swimming pool and all legal fees and expenses. A unique opportunity to own a spectacular villa on the sought after north east coast with excellent rental potential.

Click on each plan for a larger view

THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRAS OF CORFU

The Philharmonic Orchestras of Corfu are renowned throughout the world. The opportunity to form the first Philharmonic society occurred during the period of the British Protectorate. During this time, British military bands performed at the island's important events, however after the British refused to provide musical accompaniment for Orthodox processions, the Corfiots founded the Philharmonic Society of Corfu in 1840.

The response to this Society was enthusiastic and resulted in a surplus of supporters, which in turn led to the creation of a new philharmonic band. Over the years similar musical groups were set up and today Corfu has at least 20 philharmonic orchestras with new ones appearing in villages all the time. They are all non-profit making companies with the aim of extending musical education, providing scholarships to exceptional students, and performing at celebrations and events both on Corfu, other parts of Greece and within Europe.

The Philharmonic Society of Corfu:

The Mantzaros Philharmonic Society:

Founded in 1890 by Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos-Mantzaros (composer) the society provides free musical education to the young people of Corfu. The orchestra takes part in all the local events, but has also achieved recognition outside Corfu. It has participated in two festivals in Bulgaria (1982 and 1985), has earned prizes at a similar festival in Vienna in 1996, and was awarded the highest honours by the Academy of Athens in 1987. The Student band of the society, which made its first appearance in 1974, used to give performances at the closing of every school year. Nowadays, they perform not only in Corfu and around Greece but abroad (Hannover EXPO 2000 in Germany). (http://www.femantzaros.gr)

The 'Omonia' Philharmonic Society of Gastouri:
On 10th March 1898 the 'Mutual Benefit Association of Gastouri' was founded, and at one of its meetings the idea was put forward to form a musical group as a philharmonic band, as well as a drama school and theatre. From that day onwards, the band has been in existence and has around 260 members.

The Philharmonic Society of Skripero:
Founded on 3 May 1909 as a development of the choral society which had been established a few years earlier. Since 1957 it has been housed in an old mansion which has recently been renovated and transformed into a modern concert-hall. The Philharmonic orchestra takes part in all the events of the village and the surrounding district and is always present at events organized by the Municipality of Paleocastritsa.

The Musical and Artistic Association of Lefkimi:
In 1902, the leading Corfiot musician, Eustathios Bakolis, set up the informal 'Music School of Lefkimi'. This Music school was the forerunner of the Musical and Artistic Association which was founded on 21st May 1910 and originally known as the 'Philharmonic Brotherhood of Lefkimi'. The association takes part in all the local events (community, religious, cultural, national holidays). There are over 100 musicians, a choir of around 40 members, a female dance group and a cultural group.

The Philharmonic Society of Lefkimi:
Founded in 1911, the society was known as the 'Apollo Music Society' until 1953. Its aim is to teach and promote music, the theatre, fine arts and in general the growth and development of the cultural level of the residents of Lefkimi. It has been invited to take part in events in various towns throughout Greece. The Society consists of around 110 members and maintains an orchestra, band, and a dance group.  

The Kinopiastis Philharmonic Society:
The Philharmonic Society of Kinopiastis in the Municipality of Achillion was founded in 1966 by music-loving inhabitants of the village, anxious to encourage the musical ambitions of the local youth. Since 1969 the band has performed in local events in the village and surrounding area, and has taken part in the processions of Saint Spiridon in Corfu town. In recent years it has also performed in a number of larger towns throughout Greece. There are about 80 members in the group and about 35 students studying music with the band. The Society also has a Junior Choir with about 50 children aged between 8 and 15.

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 pass on the cultural heritage of the area. The main band consists of about 100 musicians. 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. In recognition its significant work, The Academy of Athens presented an award to the Society in October 2000.

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 also involved in maintaining, improving and handing the cultural heritage of Corfu. The Association consists of 150 musicians and around 200 students a year are taught free of charge by 25 teachers. The Orchestra gives at least 6 or 7 concerts a year, takes part in religious festivals and community events throughout Greece, and also in International festivals.

The "Gerasimos Markoras" Philharmonic Society of Kato Korakiana:
Named after the village’s first teacher it was founded in 1962. Its first official performance in Corfu was on Palm Sunday in 1987.

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Corfu:
This Orchestra originally began as a children's choir in 1990 but then extended its activities to a children's band. In 1994 it was officially registered as a Musical Society.  They frequently perform during the summer, mainly in Kontokali, but also at cultural events organized by the Municipality of Corfu. Today the Kontokali Philharmonic has around 40 children in its classes, studying music.

The "Agios Nikolaos" Philharmonic Association of Lakones:
As the initiative of the women's society of the village, the Association was founded in 1990.  With around 45 musicians and 90 members, it has taken part in all the island's religious festivals since 1992.