“An entirely distinct and refreshing compositional voice.”
Dylan Trần (1994—) is an artist based in New Orleans, LA. He views music as a form of world-building, poignantly evoking nuanced atmospheres in a way that is both intimately expressive and boldly energetic. His compositional practice strikes a balance between welcoming and challenging, having curated a unique musical language that is equally rewarding to performers and audiences.
Born in a rural parish hospital, one of eleven children, and raised in a double-wide trailer in central Louisiana, Dylan’s first dream was to be a rockstar / actor / tennis pro / Pokémon-trainer. At 14 years old, he put those dreams on hold and joined his high school choir. Since then, he has been commissioned by HULU, the Oxford American Journal, TAAF, and more. He has conducted and coached ensembles throughout the U.S. and in Europe and has volunteered for music programs across the country and in Vietnam. His pieces have been performed all over the U.S. and his arrangements have been performed in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, India, and the U.K.
Prioritizing ethical, equitable community engagement and well-being, Dylan insists on leaving a positive, tangible impact wherever he works. He has developed and is constantly refining an artistic practice that involves the ongoing redistribution of funds, resources, and recognition.
Recent Highlights
November ‘24 - COLOR ALL MAPS NEW receives its world premiere by lead-commissioner, the Loyola Chorale under Dr. Margaret Frazier. (New Orleans, LA)
August ‘24 - Studied Đàn Nguyệt and Đàn Bầu at Trung Tâm Nghệ Thuật Adam. (Hà Nội, Việt Nam)
June - July ‘24 - Attended the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Artist Residency. (Taos, NM)
May ‘24 - Multi-media photo-orchestral piece, (in)halation, commissioned by The Contemporary Youth Orchestra and New Music USA. (Cleveland, OH)
December ‘23 - A Soldier’s Grave featured on ABLAZE Record’s New Choral Voices Vol. 6 performed by Coro Volante and Dr. Brett Scott. (Cincinnati, OH)
June ‘23 – I am mine premiered by the commissioner TRANScend Vocal Ensemble as their inaugural composer in residence commission. (New York, NY)
May ’23 – Từ Nước (Of Water) - A New Orleans Tết, directed by Marion Hill, released by Oxford American. (New Orleans, LA)
November ’22 – World premiere of Tupelo Poems opens the Choral Arts Initiative‘s 11th Season. (Newport Beach, CA)
November ’22 – Chú đi biển (Uncle, at Sea), directed by Marion Hill, commissioned by TAAF, and released on HULU screens at The New Orleans Film Festival. (New Orleans, LA)
Photo by Adrian Soleil.
let’s chat—
Contact me directly for commissions, alternative pricing, performance questions, or scores not in the shop. Equity and access are deeply important to me, so ALL of my commissions, scores, and services are on a sliding scale. If you are a fan of my art, then let’s figure out how we can make a collaboration happen!
Check out the New Music USA Commissioning Fee Calculator here.