“Singing has a healing voice against fear; a rooster that forgets to crow might have a throat trouble.” The Spanish proverb, rooted in history and memory, is echoed in a modern tale about Albaladre, a group where music meets medicine. Francisco Mas, a psychiatrist from Alicante, knows the soul-soothing power of song well. He is one of the three doctors who joined forces with Albaladre, alongside dermatologist Manuel Asín and pediatrician Antonio Redondo. Mas leads the group as its chairman, guiding negotiations with local officials as they plan a summer performance at the Alicante City Council plaza. Albaladre was founded years ago and marked its 25th anniversary in 2023, a milestone that underscores its long-standing musical mission and its international footprint, including a past performance in Tehran in 2006.
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Mas began his career as an auxiliary technician and DJ, playing in people’s homes before turning toward psychiatry. He notes that music and medicine share a rich, intertwining history, and that many doctor-led ensembles exist. He points to Ritmo Rancio, a group he played with in Murcia, as an example of how music can complement the healing arts. He adds that in psychiatry, stepping away from purely clinical work to engage with music is essential because music itself is a complex field that informs a broader understanding of the human mind.
“In psychiatry, stepping away from music is essential because music is a fairly intricate profession.”
Francisco Mas — Psychiatrist and co-founder of Albaladre
Manuel Asín, a dermatologist, is another voice within Albaladre, a musical and vocal ensemble with a long-running presence in the Spanish arts scene. The lineup includes Manuel Rivas, a pianist and guitarist who has contributed to the group for sixteen years, and others who have continued performing well into their seventies. Their repertoire showcases the versatility of Spanish and Latin genres, reflecting decades of collaboration and performance. Over the years they have recorded a dozen albums and given live concerts with renowned artists such as Mario Benedetti, Daniel Viglietti, Caco Senante, Pablo Milanés, Tito Duarte, Olga Cerpa, Ascensión Padilla, Odalis Correa, and Lorenzo Tartabull. Albums and concerts include titles like “Singing to the Southern Cross,” “Homage to Life,” “Songs of Going Away,” “My Cuba,” “Night of the Bolero,” and “Carnival Morning.”
Doctor equals humanist
“A doctor who is not a humanist is not even a doctor, and I’m not saying that,” remarked Asín, echoing a thought attributed to Marañón. He emphasizes that true medical care places humanity at the forefront. For about fifteen years he has attended rehearsals and concerts, balancing his clinical duties with the joys of music. While there are medical colleagues in white coats among them, the group prioritizes singing, laughter, and shared ideas over formal policy debates.
“A doctor who is not a humanist is not even a doctor, and Marañón said it.”
Manuel Asín — Dermatologist and Albaladre member
Albaladre’s mission is to spread happiness wherever it travels. In times when joy feels scarce, the group believes music and friendship can lift spirits and create a sense of community. Asín notes that their music and social engagement form a tangible bridge to the people they serve, a way to bring health through song and song through health to all who join them.
“We have a common denominator: music and friendship.”
Cosme Gosálbez — Co-founder of Albaladre
Mediterranean Spirit Festival
Albaladre’s next appearance is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 at 19:30 at the Theater Manager in Alicante, as part of the Alma Mediterránea Festival, alongside CAMtares. Their set will feature pieces like “My Big Night” by Raphael and “I Want to Be” by Dynamic Duo, among others. Antonio Redondo, a tenor pediatrician, will also perform, underscoring the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality music while enjoying the experience together. The aim is to blend health and performance, showing that health can be pursued through music and music through health, benefiting both performers and audiences alike.
“I am a doctor and we seek health through music and music through health.”
Antonio Redondo — Pediatrician and Albaladre member
Mas and the other founders, Manuel Rivas (musical director), Pablo Miró, and Cosme Gosálbez, describe Albaladre as a collective built on music and friendship. The group has welcomed contributors from different backgrounds who joined over the years, maintaining the shared journey that continues to move forward. The ensemble’s resilience and inclusive spirit have kept the project alive, with members emphasizing that the music remains the core around which their lives orbit.
“I’m in this group that is my life and gives me excitement outside of everyday life.”
Manuel Rivas — Co-founder of Albaladre
Miró recalls that their earliest performances began at university and evolved through opera and zarzuela. He notes that Albaladre is an international project, featuring Cuban violinist Gretchen García and Cuban arranger Armando García, as well as Venezuelan and Swiss percussionists Alejandro Duque and Michel Kun. The group’s rich collaborations highlight a broader cultural exchange that defines their artistic identity.