Students from the Ionian University’s Department of Music Studies, specializing in conducting children’s and youth choirs, traveled from Corfu to Jersey in the United Kingdom from October 8 to 12, 2025. Accompanied by their instructor Christina Kalliaridou and with support from the “Agios Spyridon” Choir, they led six choral workshops in local schools and took part in two concerts featuring the late Derek Lawrence’s work, Durrell Suite. This visit connected the academic community of Corfu with Jersey’s music education network and underlined a shared cultural focus inspired by the legacy of naturalist Gerald Durrell.
What did the students achieve in Jersey?
Over four days, the group conducted practical sessions that introduced pupils to ensemble singing, vocal technique, and collaborative rehearsal methods. Workshops were held at the following schools:
- St. Clement School
- Plat Douet School
- Grainville School
- FCJ Primary School
- Jersey College for Girls
- St. Luke’s School
The program was organized by the charity Music in Action as part of events celebrating 100 years since the birth of Gerald Durrell. It came after a successful local performance of the Durrell Suite in May at the Old Fortress of Corfu (St. George), presented by the Children-Youth Choir “Agios Spyridon” and the Symphony Orchestra of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu under Alkis Baltas, with the composer in attendance.
Who took part from Corfu?
The students taking part were Despina Alexi, Pavlos Varanggoulis, Lefteris Dansarlis, Evangelia Lyriti, Konstantinos Batas, Ermis Panopoulos, and Nikoletta Skordili. Their workshops were conducted under the artistic direction of instructor Christina Kalliaridou.
Concerts in St. Helier honored the Durrell legacy
After the school sessions, two concerts were held at the Opera House in St. Helier. In addition to the Durrell Suite by Derek Lawrence, the programs included smaller, animal-themed pieces. The Ionian University students joined a 100-voice school choir accompanied by a chamber orchestra and also performed the song “Thalassa p’ ola ta nera” in a choral arrangement by Dimitris Minakakis, conducted by Christina Kalliaridou.
Why does this matter for Corfu?
This initiative highlighted the practical training of the Ionian University students and strengthened the cultural ties between Corfu and Jersey. It also gave local pupils in Jersey direct experience with choral leadership that has been shaped by Corfu’s vibrant musical tradition.
What’s next for the collaboration?
At the time of this publication, no additional dates were specified in the source. Any future workshops or concerts related to this program will be announced by the organizers.
Source: https://corfustories.com/2025/10/16/%CF%86%CE%BF%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%84%CE%AD%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%84%CE%BC%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8E%CE%BD-%CF%83%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%B4/
