The Many Lives of a New York City Doorman – by Lydia Cornett
Yves Deshommes is a violinist, a teacher, and a survivor. Born in Haiti, he moved to New York City at the age of 14, where he pursued his passion for music and education. He has performed with renowned orchestras and artists, such as the New York Philharmonic and Wynton Marsalis, and has taught violin to hundreds of students in public schools and community programs. He has also overcome many challenges, such as a car accident that left him with a broken neck and a stroke that affected his speech and movement. Despite these hardships, he continues to play and teach with joy and resilience. His remarkable story is the subject of a documentary by Lydia Cornett, a filmmaker and journalist who met him while working as a violin teacher herself. The film, titled “The Unusual Working Life of Yves Deshommes”, explores his life, his work, and his impact on his students and colleagues. It is a tribute to his spirit and an inspiration to anyone who loves music and life.