Brandon Markson (b.1999) is a composer with an eclectic style of writing, covering a wide array of musical interests including contemporary-classical, jazz, rock, folk, blues, and music for visual media (eg. film, video games, theatre). A common thematic for Brandon’s music is to create deep connections with both the audience and musicians performing, finding ways to weave in storytelling and evoking strong emotional responses. In addition to performing on saxophone, Brandon’s music has received performances and recordings internationally and across the United States, such as at the Alba Music Festival in Italy, Nief Norf Music Festival, Sewanee Music Festival, and the Atlantic Music Festival; and his orchestration for Midnight at Midday, a new musical to commemorate the 2024 solar eclipse, was featured on Good Morning America, CBS Nightly News, and in the New York Times. Notable collaborations include counter)induction, Re:Duo, Blackbox Ensemble, TEMPO ensemble, the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra, and the New England Conservatory’s Wind Ensemble & Symphony Orchestra.

One of Brandon’s biggest interests is the interdisciplinary crossover between music and scientific disciplines, including psychology, physics, math, and especially chemistry. He hopes to become a leading figure in the push for further exploration and study of the crossover between the arts and sciences, including research on deriving harmonic languages and musical constructs out of chemical reactions and naturally occurring frequencies.

Brandon currently holds two Bachelor’s in Chemistry and Music from Occidental College (2021) and a MM in Composition from the New England Conservatory of Music (2023). He will be starting his Doctorate in Composition at the University of Florida in the Fall of 2024.