New Audience Symposia #3: Concerts in Psychiatric Care

On September 18th, the third New Audience Symposium gathered 18 participants from eight European countries to reflect on the impact of Musethica concerts in psychiatric clinics. Among the guests were Miguel Martínez Roig, Head of the Psychiatry Unit at Royo Villanova Hospital in Zaragoza, and Anna Bachus, music therapist at the DRK Day Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Berlin. The discussion was moderated by Carmen Marcuello, Co-Founder & Social Director of Musethica Spain.

Miguel Martínez Roig recalled his initial concerns: “How will patients who are not here voluntarily react?” Colleagues had even warned him of risks. But reality told a different story. In one case, a patient in a manic phase, feared to disrupt the performance, instead listened with deep concentration, visibly transformed by the music. Others were moved to tears. What impressed Miguel most was not only the concerts themselves but the musicians’ willingness to stay, talk, and listen. The message of their visit was: “You matter, we care about you.”

Anna Bachus, who has hosted Musethica concerts in Berlin since 2018, described a number of initial challenges: finding a suitable room in the clinic, where spaces are usually reserved only for patients; bridging the very wide age range of patients, and the fear that children diagnosed with ADHD would not be able to concentrate for long. To her surprise, these obstacles quickly gave way. By dividing the patients into smaller groups and letting the music speak, she saw even restless children sit calmly for 45 minutes. Adolescents meanwhile enjoyed the conversations afterwards. These were moments when they could ask anything. For some, the young musicians even left a lasting impression, showing them that pursuing one’s dreams is possible.

The discussion also revolved around the role of words. Maria Winiarski, Artistic Director Musethica Sweden, stressed that explanations are not needed: “The music itself is enough.” 

Despite open questions, also about potential long-term impact, repertoire choices, or ways to integrate concerts into ongoing care, the conclusions were shared by all: The music stays with patients, caregivers, and musicians alike. The concerts soften atmospheres, open unexpected pathways of empathy and confirm that music alone, without explanations, has the power to reach people.

The next symposia are going to take place in 2026. Save the dates will be published on the website and in our newsletters.