Bryce Dessner (US) performs as a solo classical guitarist and in rock & new music settings on the electric guitar. He has been a featured artist at the New York Guitar Festival, including a commission for the 2006 Festival. In 2008, his first large-scale ensemble composition, Rafael, was premiered at The Kitchen. Last year, Bryce collaborated with brother Aaron Dessner and visual artist Matthew Ritchie to create The Long Count, an origins story told in myth, music and video, commissioned by BAM for the 2009 Next Wave Festival.

Bryce is perhaps best known as a guitarist with The National. The National's critically acclaimed fourth album, Boxer (Beggars Banquet, 2007) generated two years of extensive touring throughout the world. Their newest album is currently in production for release later this year.

Also active as a music curator, Bryce has programmed the festival line-ups for MusicNow in Cincinnati since its inception in 2006, and is also involved in programming for the 2010 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Bryce has performed and collaborated with some of the world’s leading musicians including cellist Erik Friedlander, composer Michael Gordon, pianist/composer Philip Glass, Kronos Quartet, Bang on a Can All-Stars and others.

:: Bryce's activities with The National