Bryce Dessner announced as new National Concert Hall Artist-in-Residence

The National Concert Hall has unveiled plans for its ambitious 2024/2025 season – including special Irish premieres from Bryce Dessner, the prestigious Dublin institution's new Artist-in-Residence.

The American musician and composer is famed for his work as a member of The National, as well as collaborations with the likes of Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens, Taylor Swift, Paul Simon, Steve Reich, and more. He has also composed music for films such as The Two Popes and The Revenant.

On November 15, 2024, in the first of two concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra, Dessner will present the Irish premiere of Mari and his Violin Concerto, written for Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto.

The second concert takes place on April 11, 2025, and will feature Dessner in performance alongside David Chalmin (both playing guitar) as well as the National Symphony Orchestra. The night will feature: Dessner's Jack Kerouac-inspired piece St. Carolyn by the Sea; the Irish premiere of his Concerto for Two Pianos, performed by siblings Katia and Marielle Labèque; and Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

A post-concert discussion will follow both performances, led by broadcaster John Kelly.

In addition, on March 26, 2025, Dessner's The Forest – a re-imagining of Pérotin – will be performed by Gautier Capuçon’s cello ensemble Capucelli at the National Concert Hall.

As part of his NCH residency, Dessner will also compose a newly commissioned Cello Symphony, which will receive its world premiere in November 2025 with cellist Anastasia Kobekina and the National Symphony Orchestra.