Summary of the campaign 2025

This document includes::

Goals and scope of the campaign
List of choirs participating in the campaign
The Chórtownia Foundation's own activities as part of the campaign
1. Evaluation of vocal workshops in Sosnowiec, Gliwice, and Ruda Śląska
2. Conclusions and recommendations
Written reports of selected events
Partners and co-organizers
Multimedia
– Podcast with Bruno Żółtowski
– Film of the GZM Metropolis
Gallery of screenshots and posters

1. CAMPAIGN GOALS AND SCOPE

The "MUSIC – Support for People with Depression 2025" campaign was initiated and coordinated by the Chórtownia Foundation, whose goal is to promote choral singing as a form of emotional support, social integration, and mental health prevention. The project is a continuation of activities initiated in 2022 and was implemented in October 2025 in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.

This year's edition featured 37 choirs and vocal ensembles from across Poland and five other countries: Italy, France, Austria, Germany, and the USA. Inspired by a shared vision, they organized 40 events under the campaign's banner. These included concerts, open rehearsals, vocal workshops, liturgical singing, and webinars. Their common message was to increase public awareness of depression as a disease requiring treatment, encourage people to seek help from specialists, and show that singing together is a natural and effective way to regulate emotions and build community.

2. List of choirs participating in the campaign

Junger Kammerchor Düsseldorf
Chór Mieszany Klaster z Zabrza
Pasja - chór żeński Uniwersytetu III Wieku z Gniewu
SOL-MI-DO chór Państwowej Szkoły Muzycznej I st. w Gostyniu
Otwarty Chór Społeczny z Katowic
Olga Lidia Kozłowska. Authentic Voice, Wrocław
Zespół Śpiewaczy Apertum Cor z Katowic
Schola Gregoriana "In Omnem Terram", Białystok
Chór Kameralny Piu Mosso Instytutu Muzykologii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
Chór Mieszany Fresco, Tarnowskie Góry
Chór Akademicki Uniwersytetu w Białymstoku
Jędrzejowski Chór Miejski
Chór Krakus, Nowy Jork
Chór Olivii Centre, Gdańsk
Chór Mieszany "Ogniwo", Katowice
Choir in Action, Warszawa
Akademicki Zespół Muzyczny Politechniki Śląskiej, Gliwice
Girl’s Choir Canzona i Young Generation Orchestra, Murowana Goślina
Chór Kameralny Miejskiego Ośrodka Kultury w Wojkowicach
Zespół Wokalny "Oktawa", Szczecin
La clé des chants, Le Pradet, France
Chór Barczewskiej filii Samorządowej Szkoły Muzycznej w Dywitach
Chór Kameralny Armia św. Jerzego - Stowarzyszenie Pro Musica et Cultura, Poznań
Chór Wydziału Psychologii Uniwersytetu SWPS w Sopocie
Chór Batorego, Warszawa
Chór Mam Bydgoszcz
Bielański Chór Żeński Eufonia, Warszawa
Cappella Filippina, Genova, Italy
Chór Lira, Rumia
Stowarzyszenie Wokalistów MIX, Gliwice
Chór Waldorfissimo, Bielsko-Biała
Chór Lorien, I Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Stanisława Staszica w Lublinie
Chór i Orkiestra Polonia im. F. Chopina w Nowym Jorku
Der Chor des VS Hermannstrasse “Stimmen in Zentrum”
Lehra und Mehra Chor, Cham, Germany
Chór Kameralny Hibike, Poznań
Wokalność. Katarzyna Mijas

3. The Chórtownia Foundation's own activities as part of the campaign

In addition to its role as the initiator and coordinator of the campaign, the Chórtownia Foundation, commissioned by the Katowice GZM 2027 Polish Capital of Culture Office and the Victoria Cultural Center in Gliwice, organized three events in the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis region. Each event consisted of:

open vocal workshops led by experienced conductors,
meetings with psychologists who introduced participants to emotions, depression, and the role of music in the healing process,
a choir concert, with the message that every chorister once started singing from scratch,
participant-choir integration.

The first event took place on October 2nd at the Schoen Palace Museum in Sosnowiec (ul. Chemiczna 12). The workshops were led by Łukasz Łoboda, and the psychological portion was prepared by Maria Zych. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 people, including members of the Klaster Mixed Choir from Zabrze, who performed a short concert.

The second event took place on October 4th in the auditorium of the Center for Vocational and Continuing Education in Gliwice (ul. Kozielska 1). Dr. Krzysztof Dudzik led both the vocal workshops and the psychology portion. Approximately 50 people participated, including members of the Open Social Choir from Katowice. The event was co-financed by the Gliwice city budget.

The third event was organized on October 5th at the Szyb Franciszek Center for Local Tradition in Ruda Śląska (ul. Szyb Bartosz 10). The workshops were led by Kamil Gojowy, and the psychology portion was again led by Dr. Krzysztof Dudzik. Approximately 50 people attended, including the Apertum Cor Singing Ensemble.

Evaluation of vocal workshops in Sosnowiec, Gliwice, and Ruda Śląska

After each event, participants were asked to complete a short, anonymous evaluation survey. The purpose of the survey was to gather feedback on the workshop organization, the emotional experiences associated with participation, and the subjective assessment of the event's impact on well-being. The collected data allowed us to assess the extent to which the workshops met their goals—both artistic and therapeutic—and how participants perceived the combination of choral singing and discussion about emotions and mental health.

1. Huge satisfaction and positive reception

Very positive rating: As many as 84.9% of all participants rated the event "Very positive," and nearly 90% (89.6% - including "Rather positive") rated it positively. The lack of any negative ratings in all three locations demonstrates the very high quality of implementation and high participant satisfaction.
High willingness to continue: As many as 81.1% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in similar initiatives in the future, strongly confirming the social need and the value of continuing the project. The result from Ruda Śląska (94.4% "Yes") is particularly impressive.

2. Strong positive impact on well-being and emotions

A significant improvement in well-being: 77.4% of respondents confirmed that the event "Definitely yes" affected their well-being. Even in Sosnowiec, where this indicator was the lowest, 88.9% (5+3) of respondents felt a positive impact.
Dominant Emotions: The most frequently experienced emotion after the event was joy (42 responses in total), followed by peace and emotion. The fact that so many people felt peace and emotion (36 responses in total) suggests that the workshops were not only entertaining but also provided a deeper, therapeutic experience.
The Presence of Hope and Motivation: Noting emotions such as "Hope" and "Motivation" (26 responses in total) is crucial, given the topic of depression. This indicates that the events could have served an inspiring and activating function.

3. Success of the Formula Combining Knowledge with Practice

Analysis of the "Value and Significance of the Meeting" section clearly indicates the success of combining:
Psychological/Educational Element: Participants appreciated the psychological lecture/talk on depression, the expert advice from a psychologist, and the knowledge gained.
Musical/Practical Element: Singing together (often with the note "I want more"), choral exercises, integration, and a sense of community are key.
The Need for Contact with Art: Mentions of contact with art and the opportunity to hear singing emphasize the artistic and cultural value of the events.
The formula, which combines theory (knowledge about depression) with practice (singing and integration), is therefore exceptionally effective and highly valued.

4. Diverse Motivation for Participation

The motivation for participation is very broad and extends beyond those directly affected by the illness, which is a strength of the project:
Personal Reasons/Support: Depression; my daughter is currently depressed; inspiration and self-help; curiosity about how music/singing treats depression – this group confirms that the project is reaching its target audience.
Community and Passion: The desire to sing/the desire to sing together, I belong to a choir, the desire to meet new people, and the opportunity to meet friends – this shows that choirs have fulfilled an integrative role, and music is a natural vehicle for these activities.
Curiosity and Culture: Curiosity, I am interested in cultural events, I enjoy interesting events – this indicates the broad promotional potential of the project as an attractive cultural offering.

5. Conclusions for Project Continuation

Model Validation: The workshop model combining a psychological lecture with a choral workshop/singing is highly effective and should be maintained in future editions.
Focus on Singing and Integration: Since "singing together" was a frequently mentioned value (even with requests for more), it is worth considering expanding the practical/integration component at the expense of time.
Increasing Awareness: The fact that some participants came out of curiosity about treating depression with music suggests that the project has significant potential for increasing public awareness of the condition and supporting its development.
Overall, the project was received with great enthusiasm across all locations, effectively improved the well-being of participants, and clearly meets a social need to combine music with mental support.

4. Written reports from selected events

Ada Wtorkowska-Kubińska, Murowana Goślina: Thank you all for participating in the open rehearsal as part of the international campaign #MusicSupportsPeopleWithDepression. Our conversation with psychologists Estera Mizerkiewicz and Natalia Frąckowiak from the Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center in Swarzędz (Murowana Goślina branch) made us realize how important it is to talk about emotions and seek support. We also thank the psychological and pedagogical team from Primary School No. 2 in Murowana Goślina for their presence and support. After reading an open letter from the campaign organizers, the Canzona Girls' Choir, Young Generation Orchestra, and students from Primary School No. 2 in Murowana Goślina joined forces to sing the canon "Autumn Is Here" – full of warmth, optimism, and autumnal energy. Music truly has the power to heal.

As the Bielany Women's Choir Eufonia (Warsaw), we are joining the international Chórtownia #MUSICSupportDepressed People campaign with our recording of "Gabriela's Songs." This is a moving ballad by the protagonist of the film "Just Like Heaven." Gabriela, experiencing domestic violence, sings about regaining her self-esteem. […] Let's work together to care for the mental health of our community – also through singing. Eufonia is a friendly, harmonious sound. And whoever sings, dispels worries!

Olivia Center Choir from Gdańsk: Under the direction of our conductor, Wiktoria Pagieła, we had the opportunity not only to sing together but also to pause and listen to each other. Dominika Rossa led a breathing workshop, and Gosia Olszewska spoke about awareness of one's own needs, how it helps break patterns that lead to depression, and how music affects our mood and well-being. We wholeheartedly thank the organizer of the campaign – Chórtownia – for the opportunity to participate in this incredibly valuable project. During the rehearsal, the first, unofficial screening of the music video "We Can Afford Peace" also took place – the culmination of a project aimed at sending the message of Katarzyna Nosowska and Marcin Macuk's song "Sobie i Wam" (For Yourself and for You) out into the world. We want to remind people that instead of rushing, consumerism, and a constant sense of lack, it's worth surrounding yourself with wise people, slowing down, and experiencing peace. We believe that even something as simple as hundreds of people singing together can touch those who don't realize they need it most. It's incredibly symbolic that our music video and the campaign about depression have coincided – both initiatives convey a similar message: music and community have the power to heal.

Wojkowice Municipal Cultural Centre: Yesterday, the Wojkowice Municipal Cultural Centre Chamber Choir held an open rehearsal in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. As part of the "Music – Support for People with Depression" campaign, participants had the opportunity not only to sing together but also to listen to a very uplifting lecture by psychotherapist Joanna Jasińska-Bryjak on the importance of mental health and the role of community. The meeting took place in a warm, positive atmosphere, and several new members decided to join the choir.

5. PartnerS and coorganisers

CO-ORGANISER
Śląski Związek Chórów i Orkiestr (Silesian Union of Choirs and Orchestras)

PARTNERS

World Choral Conducting Network
Kodaly Institut Wien - Austrian coordinator
TYE Solutions - German coordinator
Institute of Urban Culture - The City of Weaver
Masterpeace Poland
Strefa Psychologii Muzyki
Medica Medical Center

PATRONATES

Śpiewak Śląski
Regionaln CHamber of Commerce in Katowice
Business HUB
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
Platforma MAM GŁOS

SUPPORTERS

3W Serwisy Informacyjne - technological support
Cultural Center Victoria and the City of Gliwice
Katowice Miasto Ogrodów
Association for Boys and Men (Stowarzyszenie na rzecz Chłopców i Mężczyzn)

6. Multimedia

As part of the "MUSIC – Support for People with Depression" campaign, a podcast featuring Bruno Żółtowski, a business psychologist, trainer, and motivational speaker who has been focusing on emotions, communication, and mental well-being in the workplace, has been created. In this interview with Justyna Dziuma, founder of the Chórtownia Foundation, themes emerge: the role of music and singing in strengthening mental resilience, combating burnout, building relationships, and regaining connection with oneself. Bruno shares his reflections on emotional self-regulation, the impact of singing together on the body and mind, and the importance of initiatives like the "Music – Support for People with Depression" campaign in fostering a culture of openness and empathy.

Listen to the interview on Spotify or YouTube

The film, prepared by the Metropolis of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie, presents vocal workshops that took place on October 5, 2025, in Ruda Śląska as part of the "MUSIC – Support for People with Depression" campaign. The film features Justyna Dziuma, campaign initiator and founder of the Chórtownia Foundation; Dr. Krzysztof Dudzik, psychologist and project director; and Kamil Gojowy, campaign co-creator and workshop leader. The film features excerpts from the workshops and the instructors' reflections on the importance of music, singing together, and interpersonal relationships in mental health prevention.

Watch the Metropolis of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie's film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NShWwXyHLY