Arnaia Philharmonic
In 1928, the Blessed Metropolitan of Ierissos, Mount Athos, and Ardameri, Mr. Socrates Stavridis, due to his love for music, had the idea of creating a Philharmonic. Until then, there was the mandolin group of the music school of Stratoni. The first instruments were purchased by him.
1929-1951: Efforts to create the Philharmonic were interrupted due to the wars. The instruments were moved and hidden in the Mitsios mansion.
In 1952, the Philharmonic was officially founded as a public legal entity (N.P.D.D.). Initially, a credit of 2 million drachmas was approved for the maintenance and repair of the brass instruments of the Municipality of Arnaia, and then a credit of 12 million drachmas for the strengthening of the music department of the M.O. Apollo of Arnaia. From its inception, the Philharmonic faced a serious housing problem. It shared space with the Religious School of the Metropolis or was hosted in the homes of Arnaia residents (e.g., Mr. Kyritsos’ house). The first teacher was the Corfiot musician Mr. Ioannis Vranikas, who was also appointed secretary of the Municipality and taught until 1970. After Mr. Ioannis Vranikas’ departure, chaos prevailed in the Philharmonic, but through the dedicated efforts of Mr. Stefanos Skiathitis, a study and rehearsal space was found in his house.
In 1972, Mr. Vasileios Fiamengkos was hired as the conductor by the Municipality, and he remained until 1975. In 1972, the Philharmonic was housed in Mr. Konstantas’ house near the Agioi Anargyroi church, and in 1975 it was moved to the basement of the Arnaia Municipal School.
1975-1977: Mr. Georgios Roukas took over as conductor. In 1978, the Philharmonic was relocated to the National Stadium of Arnaia.
In 1984, Metropolitan Nikodimos funded the purchase of new uniforms. That same year, the Philharmonic settled in Mr. Christodoulos Repanis’ house opposite the Arnaia High Schools, and from 1987 until today, it has been housed in the basement of the Arnaia Nursery School, following the efforts of then-Mayor Mr. Asterios Karasterios. It should be noted that Mr. Asterios Zografos, during his tenure as Mayor of Arnaia, allocated funds for the creation of uniforms and the purchase of new instruments.
The Philharmonic belongs to the Aristotle Cultural Center, is amateur, and consists of about 30 regular members aged 10-35+ years (during the procession of the Epitaph on Holy Friday, the number doubles as “retired” members also participate). Its repertoire includes marches, classical and religious pieces, as well as modern, widely known, and award-winning songs. It participates in National holidays, religious ceremonies, and local cultural events through concerts. It is noteworthy that the Philharmonic has, in the past, played in tribute performances (with a military band) with the Philharmonics of the III Army Corps and the Police Directorate of Thessaloniki.
The love of the members and conductors for music is immense, a fact that has established the Philharmonic as an institution for Arnaia and contributes to the musical aesthetics and cultural development of the area, as well as to the creative engagement of the youth. We must not forget that the majority of the male members of the Philharmonic, during their military service, played in military Philharmonics, gaining great experience, which they pass on to the younger members. All of this gives the Philharmonic great prestige and makes its presence imposing wherever it performs.