Ravenna Michalsen

Ravenna Michalsen, Cellist and Cello Teacher at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, has released three albums of original music inspired by or based on Buddhist figures and teachings. Feeling that Buddhism was lacking beautiful, singable music in English, Michalsen desired to expand the idea of "Dharma Music", a phrase she coined. In an attempt to bring interesting and new music to a variety of audiences, Michalsen has toured extensively, including a month-long tour in Malaysia. She has also performed largely in the Greater New Haven area at Buddhist centers, libraries and schools. Michalsen also enjoys her time spent with her students, arranging "Play-ins", which are group ensemble situations.