Exploring your own well-being through music

Cooperation with the Weill Music Institute of Carnegie Hall

How does music actually work? During our research on the topic of "healing" and in particular on the connection between the topic of "well-being/good living" and jazz music, we made some remarkable discoveries.

Not only have numerous independent studies by renowned research institutes proven beyond doubt that music and jazz in particular have a positive effect on health in physical, physiological and psychological terms, but this knowledge has long been incorporated into therapeutic and music therapy work to varying degrees.

Some renowned educational institutions, particularly in the United States, have presented their own programs on the subject.

However, Carnegie Hall has developed the best and most comprehensive concept with its "Well-Being Concerts". Carnegie Hall is not only probably the most important concert hall in the world, it also has a highly innovative educational institution with the integrated Weill Music Institute, where outstanding artistic and socio-therapeutic work has been carried out for many years under Director Sarah Johnson. Incidentally, Sarah Johnson is also a member of the prominent jury for the "Christian Broecking Award for Arts Education" presented by Enjoy Jazz.

Carnegie Hall, known for having one of the best acoustic concert halls in the world, not only changed the history of classical music, but also that of jazz. "Der Spiegel" described it like this: "On January 16, 1938, a concert catapulted jazz from bars and dives into a temple of high culture. The King of Swing Benny Goodman had invited black musicians to join his wise band as guests." Among them was the vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. It was not the first, but historically the most influential jazz concert in the noble Carnegie Hall. A real game changer.

What exactly is a "Well-Being Concert"? Carnegie Hall itself describes it as follows: "Carnegie Hall's 'Well-Being Concerts' combine world-class musical performances with elements of self-care and mindfulness, inspired by evidence that music helps people heal and thrive. Each concert creates an immersive, nurturing space where audience and performers share the soul-nourishing effects of music, create shared experiences and explore tools for well-being that remain effective long after the performance."

In combination with the music, the room becomes a feel-good space without the usual restrictions. You can move freely around the room, sit down or lie down on one of the mats provided. The setting creates the freedom to rediscover oneself, to withdraw completely into oneself in soothing freedom or to connect with other people through the music. The natural feeling for what is good for you is strengthened. Relaxation and awakening become one through music. A specially trained host guides you through the concert.

After a phase of intensive and trusting exchange, we are proud and feel very honored to be the first institution in Europe to offer our audience a "Well-being Concert" in cooperation with the Weill Music Institute of Carnegie Hall, which can otherwise only be experienced in New York.

It is thanks to the extremely attentive attitude of Carnegie Hall and in particular its director Sarah Johnson and her advisor Manuel Bagorro that we are able to offer our audience the first authorized "Well-being Concert" at short notice in the current festival year. In future, it will be a permanent feature of Enjoy Jazz.

The artists and hosts of the 2023/24 Well-Being concert season have put together a playlist, which can be found on the Carnegie Hall website. It includes a piece by Cecile McLorin Salvant, who can be heard live at Enjoy Jazz on 25.10.

The "Well-Being Concert" at Enjoy Jazz is a cooperation with the Weill Music Institute of Carnegie Hall and presents our Artist in Residence, the pianist and traditional South African healer (Sangoma) Nduduzo Makhathini, on Sunday, October 6, at 11 am, at the Karlstorbahnhof Heidelberg