Reena Esmail

Reena Esmail is an Indian-American composer whose work occupies a unique and compelling space between Western classical music and the Hindustani tradition of North India. She has engaged significantly with orchestral, chamber, and choral work, and has received prestigious commissions from ensembles such as the Seattle Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Kronos Quartet. Her music is characterized by the dialogue of ragas, tal cycles, and Hindustani vocal ornamentation with Western forms. Pieces such as the popular TaReKiTa for chorus offer a perspective that is deeply rooted in multiple traditions yet modern and original. One of Esmail's most significant works is This Love Between Us, a substantial oratorio for chorus, orchestra, sitar, and tabla. Her music has appeared on Grammy-nominated albums, including The Singing Guitar by Conspirare, BRUITS by Imani Winds, and Healing Modes by Brooklyn Rider.