Ioannis Kapodistrias<\/a> was a politician who, for several years, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia. He was a descendant of a noble family.<\/p>\nFrom his position, he was involved in many European political affairs, including the constitutional reform of Switzerland, before accepting the responsibility of becoming the first governor of modern Greece.<\/p>\n
Nikolaos Mantzaros<\/strong> was another noble, musician, and composer of the Greek national anthem. He was the major representative of the so-called Ionian School of Music.<\/p>\nDionysios Solomos<\/strong> our national poet was born in Zakynthos(Zante) and lived here for the last 30 years of his life.<\/p>\nSpyros Samaras<\/strong>, another musician was the composer of the Olympic anthem. Yes, the one played during the opening and closing ceremonies of every Olympics.<\/p>\nThe famous Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi<\/strong> lived much of his life on the island. As did poets like Gerasimos Markoras<\/strong>, Lorenzos Mavilis<\/strong>, Andreas Kalvos<\/strong>, and Iakovos Polylas<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAll above were members of the Ionian School of Literature.<\/p>\n
A former Greek prime minister was Corfiot George Theotokis<\/strong>, whilst his relative Nikolaos Theotokis<\/strong> became the archbishop of Russia.<\/p>\nThe important Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras<\/strong> and St Filomena<\/strong> were born here.<\/p>\nThe unforgettable actor Nikos Kourkoulos<\/strong> originates from Corfu. Also, Albert Cohen<\/strong> and the singers Vicky Leandros<\/strong> and Nana Mouskouri<\/strong> were born here.<\/p>\nThere are hundreds of others not mentioned. Even Giacomo Casanova<\/strong> spent much of his life in Corfu and finally was forced to leave as he had an affair with the young wife of the Venetian proveditore.<\/p>\nSummary<\/h3>\n
Corfu boasts a rich musical tradition, with three renowned philharmonic societies that regularly perform. Influenced by Italian music, the island became the birthplace of the Ionian School of Music, founded by Nikolaos Mantzaros, and produced notable composers like Spyros Samaras, creator of the Olympic anthem.<\/p>\n
Corfu\u2019s literary scene also flourished, with figures like Dionysios Solomos, author of Greece\u2019s national anthem, contributing to the Ionian School of Literature. This vibrant cultural history continues to shape Corfu\u2019s identity today.<\/p>\n