[Go Green] Varna Summer International Music Festival

The project “Sounds of the Free Breeze” is a cultural initiative for the development of open-air music events in unconventional temporary open-air spaces to strengthen the connection between culture,nature and people. The project raises awareness of the importance of music in nature for individuals’ well-being and mental health, social cohesion and inclusion: in particular the sense of belonging to a city, a community and the surrounding environment. Through the project the team of Varna Summer Festival brought music outside the concert halls, to remind the audience that music can re-connect, bring joy and positive emotions and is necessary for everybody's well-being . The open-air locations were very carefully selected, bring classical music closer to nature. The surrounding environment increases the positive effect of the classical music on humans’ mental health and well-being. During the concerts we interviewed the audience. 92% of the respondents said that classical music had a positive influence on their general well-being. For 90% of the interviewees classical music had a positive impact on their mental health and for 90% of the respondents listening to classical music brought serenity. 92% reported that this type of music made them feel relaxed, and 87% claimed that classical music brought back their good mood. The statement “I like listening to classical music outdoors“ was confirmed by 98% of the respondents. We succeeded in proving that the connection between people and nature through arts is very important for human health and wellbeing. Thus, we raised the awareness in our audience that taking care of nature means taking care of ourselves. The project is supported by MusicAIRE (An Innovative Recovery for Europe) project, co-funded by the European Union.

More info: Varna Summer Festival

(General Editor: Simon Mundy)