The Resonare – Journey to Memory Through Music project, developed for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones in Berlin, highlights the healing and unifying power of music. People in the mild and moderate stages of dementia and their families gather every Wednesday in Berlin for a shared musical experience accompanied by German and Turkish songs.
The activities held at Komische Oper Berlin held their final event of the season this week due to the institution's seasonal break. The group will reconvene in September 2026 to continue their musical endeavors.
Brought to life through collaboration between Charité and Komische Oper
The Resonare project was developed in collaboration with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin's Memory Clinic (Gedächtnissprechstunde), which conducts studies on strengthening memory, and Komische Oper Berlin.
The project, launched as a pilot program, is supported by the Manfred Strohscheer Stiftung.
Resonare is implemented as a music-based social and therapeutic support program for individuals with dementia and their loved ones. The project does not aim to cure dementia; instead, it seeks to strengthen individuals' social connections, support their communication, and enhance their quality of life through music.
A special social project followed scientifically
Charité Memory Clinic not only supports the project but also conducts its scientific evaluation process. Within the scope of the research, studies examine whether music stimulates memory, how it contributes to quality of life, and its effects on social interaction.
The main objectives of the project include:
- Reviving past memories through music
- Increasing the joy of life
- Reducing the burden on individuals with dementia and their caregivers
- Preventing social isolation
- Strengthening communication through shared experiences
Resonare, considered a successful example of the convergence of art and medicine, re-emphasizes the emotional and social role of music in human life.
Turkish Resonare group strengthens cultural ties
One of the notable aspects of the project is its inclusive structure for different cultures. Alongside three German-language groups, a specially formed Turkish Resonare group conducts activities for individuals with dementia of Turkish origin and their loved ones.
The musical direction of the Turkish group is undertaken by music teacher, choir and vocal coach Yelda Özdemir and bağlama artist and instructor Ali Aşık.
Yelda Özdemir emphasizes the project's approach of using music in the native language, stating:
“The program is free of charge. This work is carried out with the idea that songs sung in the native language can more strongly trigger long-term memory and emotional memories.”
Participants not only sing songs; they attend opera performances together, participate in special concerts adapted for dementia, and are encouraged to actively engage in cultural life.
Music creates a common meeting ground for patients and their loved ones
The Resonare project aims to support not only individuals living with dementia but also their caregivers. The program aims to facilitate quality time spent with family members and to establish strong social bonds.
The project team states that making music together stimulates the human spirit, highlighting that music creates strong bonds between people.
Through activities accompanied by Turkish songs, participants experience together the positive impact of music on memory, its emotional power, and its balancing effect.
Joint concert by Turkish and German groups
Last week, within the scope of Resonare, the Turkish group held a special concert together with the German group. Participants sang songs together at the joint event held at the Evangelische Kirche in Kladow Gemeindehaus in Berlin Kladow.
Choir instructor Yelda Özdemir stated that she sees music as an important tool that strengthens social participation, builds bridges between cultures, and supports quality of life.
Bağlama instructor Ali Aşık stated that he brings the traditional and cultural richness of Turkish folk music together with modern interpretations, and that music is an important bridge for preserving cultural heritage and building strong bonds between people.
Invitation to Resonare activities
The Resonare project group continues its activities every Wednesday at 4:30 PM at Komische Oper (Schillertheater), Schillerstraße 9, 10625 Berlin.
Individuals with dementia, their loved ones, and anyone wishing to be part of a supportive community through music are invited to the project.
Contact and registration
Kontakt:
Anouk Kopps
Phone: (0)30 20 260 278
Email: [email protected]
Işıl Berat Beydağ Paker/Berlin
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