A scientific experiment at Dresden Music Festival has shown that the hormone oxytocin increases more during a concert experience than during physical proximity.
In partnership with TU Dresden (Dresden University of Technology), the Dresden Music Festival measured the levels of the so-called “love hormone” in concertgoers before and after a concert at the Center for Regenerative Therapies on 27th May, part of the “Sound & Science” series in this year’s festival. The study found that the average level before the concert was 37.54 picograms per millilitre (pg/ml). After listening to music, the volunteers’ oxytocin levels rose to an average of 203.17 pg/ml.
A significant effect was also observed among musicians: while hugging produced little change, playing music together led to a clear increase in oxytocin levels – an average increase of 88.49 pg/ml.
These two increases were found to be greater than those measured in previous studies after a passionate kiss or even after sex. According to scientific papers, a 20-second hug with a partner leads to an increase in oxytocin of 3-5 pg/ml, while very close physical proximity causes an increase of 50-150 pg/ml – concluding that making music together can create a more profound biological bond than a hug.
Professor Clemens Kirschbaum of TU Dresden said that the results were “Truly astonishing. I have only seen something like this very, very rarely.”
Oxytocin, normally released through hugs and kisses, is known to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. “Of course, our audience has long been convinced of the positive effect of a beautiful concert, and the fact that this is now confirmed in this small experiment inspires us in our work,” said Jan Vogler, Artistic Director of the Dresden Music Festival.
The analysis of the questionnaires after the concert corroborated the physiological findings: many listeners reported a strong sense of connection with the musicians and with other listeners. Statistically, there are clear correlations that music creates connections – measurable in the body, and tangible in the heart.
Dresden Music Festival, with its 2025 theme of “Love”, continues until Saturday 14th June.
