A feast for the ears!

It's been a while since I've found time to blog anything - it seems wrong really, we came to Corfu for an quieter, simpler lifestyle, yet I've been so rushed recently I haven't had any time to myself! Ah well, mustn't grumble - at least I'm not doing the London commute these days.

Meanwhile, I was beavering away on some writing work last evening when Tony said, very uncharacteristically as he hates doing anything sociable, "are you coming up to the platia (village square), there's a do on".

It's probably the first time this year that he's actually suggested we go anywhere together, so I thought I'd make the most of it and promptly hit the 'standby' button, changed into some jeans and was ready in 5 minutes.

We arrived at the platia to be greeted by rows of chairs facing the stage (a concrete structure purpose built for the various performances that we're treated to), hordes of people including a number of gentlemen in black suits, wing collars and grey bow ties. Also obvious was an orchestra that were just getting settled on the stage.

After the inevitable speeches that seem to be a prologue to any entertainment event, from the school play to a professional performance in the municipal theatre, the conductor took his place, the musicians, a mandolin orchestra, sat down in readiness and baratone soloist Pantelis Kontos stood in front. How wonderful! In total they performed 5 pieces. all Greek, that floated around us in the evening air, with the amazing voice of Kyrie Kontos resonating deep into the soul.

Bows were then taken and the performers left the stage. Minutes later the members of "Xopwdia Kepkupas" (the Kerkyra Choir), also known as the gentlemen in wing collars, filled it. Accompanied by what I think might have been a harpsichord - or more likely an electric keyboard that sounded like a harpsichord - the first gave us some Verdi, then Weber, then back to Verdi again with pieces from Nabucco and Il Travatore. Our Italian over they moved on to some beautiful Greek songs by composers I'd never heard of such as M Theodorakis and N Lampelet, but whose lack of familiarity didn't detract from the beauty of their work. The finale, a rousing and emotional version of "Kepkuraikos Xopos" (the Kerkyra Chorus).

I am no expert when it comes to matters classical or operatic (father, you'll bear me out on that one!! "What is that racket? It's not music, just noise" was the oft heard cry when I had my 45's playing at full blast many moons ago); but the performance last night was worthy of any professional stage in the world. To enjoy it, free, in the small village in which we live was not just an experience, but a true gift of entertainment.

As the audience applauded the departing choir I took a moment to ponder. I read various "forums" where (mainly British) devotees of Greek holidays share their experiences and ask questions, amongst which is often found the query - what sort of traditional entertainment will I find? The most sought after seems to be a good night out with Greek dancing, table balancing and plate smashing. Great fun and based on traditional entertainment, albeit slightly exaggerated for the visitors amusement. But an evening like last night's is one that I would doubt many visitors to the island will ever experience. Music is a hugely important aspect of the Corfiot lifestyle, a fact proven by the size and diverse ages of last night's audience. The Greeks came out and enjoyed themselves in a more sedate but nonetheless enthusiastic manner and I feel privileged to have been there!

If you happen to read this and are visiting Corfu this summer, take a moment to look up the Corfu Festival Ionian Concerts 2010 on Google, or this facebook link http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=98693979560 (Blogger won't let me put it in my list!) There are numerous events of this nature taking place, many of which are free admission, and which might offer a welcome change from the norm...