Professor Angela Bellia recently participated in the International Workshop “Performing & Healing,” held on 29 April 2026 at the École française d’Athènes.
The workshop provided a profound exploration of the historical roots of music therapy, examining the complex relationship between music, ritual, and health in the Greco-Roman world. The discussions highlighted how healing processes in antiquity were deeply embedded within religious spheres, particularly in the cult of Asclepius, where sound and performative practices were utilised to foster patient well-being within sacred healing sanctuaries.
During the workshop, Professor Bellia presented her research paper titled: “Music, Ritual, and Healing: Sensory Perspectives on the Asclepian Cult.” Her presentation investigated the intersection of sensory perception and ritual performance, demonstrating how sound and rite were strategically integrated to enhance the therapeutic experience in ancient healing contexts.
