Deutchland

he Philharmonic Orchestras of Corfu are renowned throughout the world. They owe their establishment to the general climate in which clubs and societies flourished in Europe during the 19th century, a climate with which the Corfiot studying at European universities had become familiar.The opportunity for the formation of the first Philharmonic society arose during the period of the British Protectorate, when a British military band performed at the island's important events. In 1837 however, the British refused to provide musical accompaniment for Orthodox processions. The Corfiots' reply came three years later, in 1840, when the Philharmonic Society of Corfu was founded. The enthusiastic response to rally round the Society resulted in a surplus of supporters, which in turn led to the creation of a new philharmonic band. With the passage of time the tendency to form similar musical groups extended to the whole island and thus today Corfu has 18 philharmonic orchestras. 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 in and outside Corfu.

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