From composing orchestrations for Taylor Swift's "Folklore" to creating a ballet, Bryce Dessner is a hard-working indie rock musician. A long-time member of The National alongside his brother Aaron, Dessner is currently an artist-in-residence at Yale University, his alma mater. At Yale's new Schwarzman Center, Dessner is working on new "multi-disciplinary works" that include a theatrical project with Kaneza Schaal that he will present at Yale upon its completion in 2026. Dessner also offers master classes for Yale students and alumni.
From The National to Taylor Swift, Bryce Dessner modernizing orchestral music as Yale's artist-in-residence
Dream House Quartet from l. to r., Maria Labèque, David Chalmin, Katia Labèque, and Bryce Dessner; photo: Mélanie Bordas
It's been about 25 years since I left Yale, and the world has changed and Yale has changed. It's interesting to participate in that conversation with students who are of a different generation.