Corfu 2016 - Program Book

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Dear Honoured Guests and Friends of Music,
Music has been a continuous part of Corfu’s cultural identity for centuries and a precious heritage
in the collective memory of Greece. Contact with the West, which was maintained on the Ionian
islands, and especially Corfu, through its historical position outside the influence of the Ottoman
yoke contributed to the development of an unusual style. This style differentiates the music of
the Ionian Islands from that of the mainland. Through opera, the Italian influence helped to
spread this tradition, strengthening the musical appreciation of its inhabitants and creating the
impetus for spreading music throughout the island. Today, 18 Philharmonic Societies and 29 choral
groups continue to keep this important heritage alive. The Music Department of the Ionian
University has developed into one of the most dynamic and artistically active departments in
the world. Indeed, it holds an eminent position having received complimentary comments from
external evaluators comparing aspects of the department with corresponding schools at Harvard
and Yale. Some highlights for the Chamber Choir have been invitations to sing in Bayreuth, and
a recent appearance at Carnegie Hall, in a performance of contemporary American choral music
for the Composer’s Gala Concert, part of a concert series celebrating 125 years of continuity and
which received glowing reviews for its high artistic level. The Ionian University is the first university
actively to participate in the organisation of such an important cultural event. We welcome
especially the organisers and participants of the 1 st Corfu International Festival & Choir Competition
to the island of Mantzaros, Xindas, Samaras and Lambelet.
Professor Vassilios Chrissikopoulos
Rector of the Ionian University