A new cultural effort for the Ionian Islands
The relationship between culture and the Ionian islands boasts a long history. The same is true of the Ionian islands? relationship with tourism. With the contribution of many fellow Corfiots and people from other islands in the region, Corfu PASOK MP Angela Gerekou established the Center for Ionian Island Culture. The organization is in charge of organizing the 1st Corfu Arts Festival, which will take place from July 8 to 11.
Gerekou and the center?s board of directors hope to contribute to the revitalization of creativity on Corfu and the other Ionian islands. Their efforts are also aimed at attracting more tourists to the area.
The Center for Ionian Island Culture is a privately funded nonprofit organization, while its artistic director is another pleasant surprise: young award-winning Corfiot clarinet soloist Dionysis Grammenos.
The festival gets under way with a harp recital featuring Anneleen Lenaerts at Corfu?s Palace of St Michael and St George on July 8. A concert showcasing the Arriaga Quartet and pianist Sonja Park will take place at the Achilleion on July 9, while Grammenos will interpret works by Gustav Mahler and Carl Maria von Weber, accompanied by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, on July 10. The summer festival?s debut edition will conclude with the Vice Versa theater company taking on Aristophanes? ?Plutus? at the Rena Vlachopoulou Open-Air Theatre of Mon Repos. The Vice Versa troupe comprises immigrants stemming from 14 countries who are living in Greece.
