ΕΠΤΑΝΗΣΙΑΚΕΣ ΑΡΙΕΣ, ΑΣΜΑΤΑ & ΚΑΝΤΣΟΝΕΤΕΣ

The Ionian Islands are honored at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on Saturday, September 20, in a fascinating musical performance that unites romantic serenades with lyrical arias, a tradition that the Ionian Islands rightfully hold. The Athenian public will have the unique opportunity to hear live the "Old Philharmonic of Corfu", as the Philharmonic Society of Corfu is usually called, which is one of the most historic educational and cultural institutions in the country with a continuous course of 185 years (founded in 1840). The Philharmonic will present beloved and popular compositions from the Ionian and Italian repertoire: arias from operas and operettas, canzonets, serenades, songs as well as famous orchestral works and marches. Among others, the legendary "Hamlet" will be heard, the mourning march that accompanies the devout procession of the Epitaph on Easter and will transport us to the magical atmosphere of Corfu at the Herodeion. Also, the Athenian public will have the opportunity to hear characteristic excerpts of the "Hymn to Liberty" by Dionysios Solomos, set to music by the leading Corfiot composer Nikolaos Mantzaros (performed since 1841 by the "Old Philharmonic of Corfu"), the opening part of which in 1865 (exactly 160 years ago) was established in Corfu as our National Anthem. On the occasion of the celebration of the 230th anniversary of the birth of Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872), life-long artistic director of the "Old Philharmonic", a noble important composer and founder of the Heptanese School, the Philharmonic's concert will honor the great Greek. The entire Corfu Philharmonic (Old) with one hundred and forty (140) musicians will come to Athens to present their great art at the Roman Odeon and will enchant us with their sounds, masterful transcriptions, impressive costumes and admirable interpretation that make each concert a special experience. On stage we will enjoy brilliant soloists and leading lyrical performers: Elena Kelesidi (soprano), Inga Balabanova (soprano), Artemis Bogri (mezzo soprano), Filippos Modinos (tenor), Haris Andrianos (baritone). A romantic tone to the evening will be given by the presence of the Zakynthos serenaders, "Tragoudisades tsi Zakynthos", a famous polyphonic vocal ensemble who, accompanied by mandolinata and the Philharmonic, will sing arekies, serenades, barcaroles, songs with themes of love and daily life. The music direction is by the conductor Spyros Prosoparis, the artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu ("Old"). A journey from 1840 to the present day. The "Old Philharmonic of Corfu" was founded in 1840 by Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872), inspired and Lifetime Artistic Director, on the model of a music academy, similar to those of neighboring Italy. Its inspirer was this great teacher and patriot who trained his compatriots free of charge and considered it his duty to upgrade the musical education of the Corfiots and Greeks, always teaching free of charge and transferring to Corfu the experience of the music academies abroad. This was his vision which continues in the Philharmonic until today in the teaching of wind, string and music theory! The "Old Philharmonic of Corfu", beyond its historicity, has a continuous presence in international musical events with many invitations abroad (Denmark, Italy, America, Russia, Cyprus, Serbia, etc.). It participated for the second time in 2024 in the events of the Greek Diaspora in New York on the famous 5th Avenue (April 2024). The Philharmonic Society of Corfu ("Old") has been offering free music education for 185 years, it is a musical nursery, contributing to the formation of art music in Greece from the 19th to the 21st century. The concert has a charitable character, is carried out in collaboration with the Thyateira Association and due to the World Bone Marrow Donor Day (an activity in which the "Old Philharmonic" has shown a special social footprint), the work of the Association of Parents of Children with Neoplastic Disease "I Floga" founded in 1982 by parents of children with cancer, will be financially supported. Get to know the Association and discover its purposes. https://www.floga.org.gr/about-us/ Colors and aromas of the Ionian Islands, will transport us to the world of Solomos and Mantzaros, but also of other leading Heptanese composers. We will be transported to the Corfu Spianada and the Square of Agios Markos in Zakynthos. The viewer will take a trip back in time to Italy, Padua, Milan, the San Giacomo Theater of Corfu and the mansion of Solomos in Zakynthos . A musical performance full of surprises.