A cellist and music teacher, Ravenna Michalsen, organized a ‘Joy and Peace’ concert in New Haven’s Wooster Square Park, featuring 60 musicians of all ages and abilities. The event was a response to the state of the world, with Michalsen believing that music can affect people’s emotional state.

Community Comes Together

The musicians performed five classical standards, including Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy,’ which was arranged for the event by cellist Patti Smith. The group’s sound was described as ‘fulsome and warm,’ with each musical phrase breathing to its fullest extent.

The concert was a family-friendly event, with many children participating, including a 6-year-old boy who played the cello alongside his father. The absence of a stage made the music more accessible, creating a sense of community among the audience and musicians.

The event was a success, with the community coming together to enjoy music and promote joy and peace. As Michalsen said, ‘Music can really affect our emotional state,’ and the concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.