Old Fortress of Corfu

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana

Symphony Orchestra of the Heptanese & Ionian Conservatory

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Soloists: Dimitra Kottidou, Soprano Nikos Spanatis, Countertenor Sotiris Triantis, Baritone

Conductor: Katia Molfesi

Pianists: Dimitrios Marinos Manos Kitsikopoulos

Percussion: Ionian Conservatory Percussion Faculty and Alumni Ensemble Marios Mouzakitis Nikos Metallinos Sokratis Trouptsidis Thodoris Koskinas Dimitris Aspiotis Andreas Kalogiannis

Featuring: City of Athens Choir San Giacomo Municipal Choir of Corfu

Few works in the history of music have achieved the global acclaim and timeless resonance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.

The Symphony Orchestra of the Heptanese and the Ionian Conservatory invite audiences to an exceptional musical evening on Saturday, September 12, at 21:00, at the iconic Old Fortress of Corfu, featuring Carl Orff’s masterpiece, Carmina Burana.

For the first time in Corfu, the public will have the opportunity to experience the rare version of the work written for two pianos and percussion—an arrangement created by Carl Orff himself in collaboration with his pupil and close associate, Wilhelm Killmayer. This version preserves the dramatic intensity and raw power of the original work intact, uniquely highlighting its rhythmic and choral character.

The performance is conducted by Katia Molfesi, featuring distinguished soloists Dimitra Kottidou (soprano), Nikos Spanatis (countertenor), and Sotiris Triantis (baritone). Performing on the pianos are the acclaimed soloists Dimitrios Marinos and Manos Kitsikopoulos. The percussion section features the Percussion Ensemble of Teachers and Alumni of the Ionian Conservatory, consisting of Marios Mouzakitis, Nikos Metallinos, Sokratis Trouptsidis, Thodoris Koskinas, Dimitris Aspiotis, and Andreas Kalogiannis. Also performing are the Athens Municipal Choir and the "San Giacomo" Municipal Choir of Corfu.

From the iconic "O Fortuna" to its lyrical and explosive passages, Carmina Burana remains one of the most beloved and recognizable masterpieces of the 20th century. Based on medieval poems that celebrate life, love, nature, and the constant turning of human fortune, Carl Orff’s work continues to deeply move and captivate audiences worldwide.

The concert is held under the auspices and with the support of the Hellenic Parliament and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).