Opera and +

Music, the best medicine

At ABAO, we know that opera has a profoundly positive impact on emotional health. That is why we bring it to those who need it most. Opera and + is our innovative social programme, developed at Cruces University Hospital within the Nephrology, Day Hospital, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Paediatrics, and Neonatology departments.

Thanks to the collaboration of the EDP Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation, patients are able to take part in activities both inside and outside the hospital, linked to the opera season currently under way.

Over 10 years of smiles

We improve the well-being, happiness, and quality of life of patients and their families through music. With more than ten years of success and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, this programme has become a benchmark initiative within the hospital, offering participants the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique experience.

More than 7,000 beneficiaries

Our specialists in pedagogy and music have brought over 250 activities within this programme to thousands of patients and family members.

We believe in music as a tool for managing the processes involved in chronic illness. Let it keep playing. Let it keep healing.

Neonatal Singing

Some of our most renowned singers visit newborns and their mothers to welcome them into a life filled with music.

This activity takes place within the hospital.

Workshop in the Paediatric Classroom

Our experts in music education introduce children to the inner workings of opera.

This activity can be held online or within the hospital.

Attendance at an ABAO Txiki performance and meeting the artists

Patients attend a family-friendly performance live, together with family members, friends, and Hospital School staff, followed by a meeting with the artists—sharing impressions, asking questions, and taking commemorative photographs.

Thematic workshop at Cruces University Hospital

A specific topic is selected and developed for patients who wish to attend.

This activity takes place within the hospital.

Backstage visit

Patients who are able to travel attend an opera performance followed by a meeting with the artists.

This activity takes place at Euskalduna Bilbao.

Opera attendance

Building on everything learned in previous activities, participants—together with their families and primary caregivers—enjoy a full opera performance, experiencing a complete production with internationally renowned artists.

Txaro Aguirremota

Nephrology-Chronic Patient Supervisor

“It has been a truly rewarding experience for me, to start with, because I have seen that it has been an important incentive for many patients, as it made them look forward to the following session with Aitziber or the following opera performance.

It has helped me interact with patients, promoting communication and relationship in an enjoyable, out-of-hospital setting where their illness is not the centre of the interrelationship.

Music is clearly a therapeutic tool that gets patients involved in an activity that helps them have a new motivation.
It also represents a form of social cohesion with other patients as well as with the environment, reducing their isolation in many cases and helping them see that their wellbeing is improving.

I hope the experience continues”

Amelia Cebas

Day Hospital Supervisor

The Ópera y + programme invites the uninitiated to enjoy a magical show, where music and theatre come together and help to “forget” problems for a while.

The programme has been well received by Oncology patients and the talks about the world of opera and the context in which they were written have gained widespread acceptance.

Olga Merino

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Physician

These types of programmes deliver the greatest benefit we can currently provide to the “person”, enhancing the emotional balance that helps endure any setback that life may bring us when we least expect it.

We don’t analyse well how important moments of “psychological relief” are for the patient, family or health professional. Participating, feeling moved while listening to music, allows you to get your mind off your problems, improving your personal wellbeing.

But this is not the only aspect to be highlighted; this programme brings many other benefits as well. Just to mention the most important, I might point out having some time, some space, to share and create social networks as well as the opportunity to learn that the workshops organized by the ABAO give to all those of us who take part in them.

Padres y madres

Paediatrics

“This activity aimed at patients in Cruces Hospital has surprised us; it is actually something she loves. It is an opportunity that she might otherwise not have had. We are grateful for the time and the effort devoted to it.”

“I think the activity is highly positive and I would even propose activities in the morning as well as in the afternoon, because I think that it helps keep children entertained.”

“Thanks for helping children have a better stay”.

Padres y madres

Neonatology

“This participation favours my baby’s development and quietness. In addition to easing such a stressing atmosphere. I think it is ideal for them. The only problem is the duration, as it is too short. Thank you.”

Persona beneficiaria

Adults

“I would like to say thank you for my participation in this programme. It was a delightful show and a way of escaping from the monotony we often sink in. My heartfelt thanks!”

“It is the food that no B12 may achieve, because with opera one obtains a state of grace that is difficult to beat.”