Last October, the institute’s new Choir was inaugurated—an initiative aimed at promoting well-being, creativity, and cohesion among the staff of the Centre for Research and Development (CID-CSIC), which includes the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC) and the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC).
The choir, made up of 27 members, is directed by Óscar Salvador, a composer, pianist, and musical director with extensive experience in leading choirs and musical productions. His work includes participation in projects such as La Simfonia dels Herois and Monty Python’s Spamalot, the latter a Filmax production directed by Tricicle. Salvador also took part as a pianist in the first season of Zenit on TV3.
He currently directs the Coral del Mar of the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), which has been active for several years, as well as the choir of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB).
This initiative seeks to create a space to enjoy, disconnect, and strengthen bonds among all staff. “The choir not only taught me how to sing, but it also helped me overcome stage fright and learn to project my voice during talks and conferences,” explains Carolina Doya, coordinator of the IQAC’s Plan MaX. “I was part of the ICM-CSIC Choir during my PhD and, given the personal and collective positive impact it had, I wanted to bring this initiative to the CID,” she adds.
The project offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues through artistic and emotional expression—beyond professional roles—creating meaningful human bonds, genuine friendships, and easing possible tensions arising from work.
The first rehearsals have been very well received, and today, 18 December, coinciding with the centre’s Christmas aperitif, the choir was presented to the public and delighted the rest of the staff with a repertoire of songs by Queen, numbers from the musical Les Misérables, and several Christmas carols.
If you work at CID, IQAC, or IDAEA and enjoy singing, there is still time to join. Contact iqacoffice@cid.csic.es.
Initiative coordinated by the IQAC-CSIC Plan MaX.
