The Merita Project: Music, Mental Health, and Connection in Quartetto Indaco’s Motto Contrario

Stories | March 25, 2025

In the latest episode of the Merita Project podcast, Quartetto Indaco takes center stage, not only showcasing their musical talent but also their intense passion for leveraging art to raise awareness about mental health. Co-funded by the European Union, the Merita Project networks musicians, mentors, concert promoters, and historical sites to place classical music at the heart of European culture. The platform's latest project fuses classical music with a vital conversation on mental health, as embodied in Quartetto Indaco's new performance project, Motto Contrario.

The Quartetto Indaco: Music and Friendship journey

Quartetto Indaco, formed 17 years ago in Milan, comprises four talented musicians: Cosimo Carovani (cello), Ida Di Vita (second violin), Eleonora Matsuno (first violin), and Jamiang Santi (viola). The quartet’s music is enriched by the varied paths each member has taken, bringing a mix of influences - from Baroque music to contemporary compositions - to their performances. The cohesion of the group is evidenced not just in their musical aptitude but in the deep friendship that gives rise to their art. The quartet's unique sound derives both from the members' shared love of music and from the individuality of each of their backgrounds, creating an ensemble both unified and varied.

Photo: Ernesto Casareto

Motto Contrario: A Musical Journey Through Mental Health

At the heart of Quartetto Indaco's latest venture is the project Motto Contrario, which aims to address mental health through music. The initiative draws a parallel between the life of celebrated composer Robert Schumann, who faced mental health issues, and Sarah Cross, a friend of the quartet who has herself overcome issues. With music and narrative, the performance shares the compelling tales of both persons, a moving contemplation on how mental health issues affect not just the sufferer but also their loved ones.

The project is close to the heart for the quartet members, especially Cosimo, cellist, who also adds his own music to the performance. The Motto Contrario project uses Schumann's music, letters from Clara Schumann, and Cosimo's compositions to narrate the tragic tale of Schumann's life, contrasted with Sarah Cross's healing and resilient story. The juxtaposed tales aim to shed light on the complex emotional landscape of mental health, offering both a historical and modern perspective.

Breaking the Stigma: The Role of Music in Mental Health Awareness

One of the underlying messages of Motto Contrario is to shatter the stigma of mental health. While physical ailments like the common cold are openly discussed, mental health is still a taboo for some. Those in Quartetto Indaco wish to open up the conversation, with their music serving as the bridge between the listener and the very intimate stories of mental health. While talking, the mental illness is not visible or noticed because it is not as noticeable as physical illness. Through their music, they try to normalize such talks and get individuals to a point where they can confidently acknowledge their own mental health issues.

The performance is not just about shedding light on the issues of mental illness but also showing the importance of human connection. Clara Schumann's commitment to her husband, Robert, during his decline in mental health is a powerful affirmation of the incredible worth of empathy and support in times of crisis. Similarly, Sarah's journey towards recovery, underscored by the recognition of her condition and the support of her friends and family, shows the power of inclusion and acceptance in the midst of mental health crisis.

The Power of Art: A Multi-Sensory Experience

In addition to the music, Motto Contrario features visual art, which adds to the emotional complexity of the performance. Italian visual artist Letizia created a film to accompany the music, contributing to the narrative nature of the project. The performance is a multi-sensory experience in which music, visuals, and narrative all work together to create a dense, immersive environment. The objective is that the audience experiences the emotional depth of the performance and leaves with a better understanding of mental health, both past and present.

The Residency: A Time for Reflection and Development

For members of Quartetto Indaco, the residency time for the Motto Contrario performance has been a period of deep reflection and artistic maturity. Being able to have the option of spending an extended time rehearsing and together has allowed them to solidify the performance and advance their understanding of the material. The residency has also provided a space within which to bring in other forms of input, allowing the quartet to gain a wider artistic vision while continuing to work on their project.

The chance to collaborate closely with other artists and mentors has been a learning experience for the band. For them, the process of learning and growing together is not just about perfecting their craft as musicians but also about establishing a human connection that makes their artistry even greater.

An Invitation to Reflect: The Impact of Music on Mental Health

On a basic level, Motto Contrario is an invitation for the audience to reflect on their own mental health and the mental health of those people around them. The quartet hopes that the performance will encourage people to get help when they need it and to be more attentive to the pain of those they love. Music, they discover, has a means of accessing individuals in a manner that words cannot, and with the show, they hope to make people more aware of just how important good mental health is.

As the project continues, Quartetto Indaco goes on using their music as a tool for change, creating awareness about mental health, and encouraging empathy through their performances. Their journey with Motto Contrario is not just musical but one of creating a space for connection, healing, and understanding.

Conclusion

The Motto Contrario project is an ambitious and deeply moving exploration of mental health through the vehicle of music. In comparing Robert Schumann's and Sarah Cross's experiences, Quartetto Indaco reminds us of the human face of mental illness, giving a sympathetic and even-handed description of the impact that such illness has on those who experience it, and those who are close to them. In its integration of music, narrative, and visual image, Motto Contrario is a densely layered performance that invites listeners to struggle with the complexities of mental illness and the therapeutic possibilities of human connection.