About
Reena Esmail’s music weaves together the traditions of Hindustani and Western classical music, drawing musicians from a variety of perspectives into dialogue.
She writes concert music for orchestra, choir, band and chamber ensembles, and works with musicians all over the United States and abroad.
Read MorePhoto by Rachel Garcia.
New Releases
September 4, 2026
Jhula Jhule featured on oboist’s debut album Briefly Gorgeous – out now
Oboist Talukder, winner of Cedilla Records’ 2025 Emerging Artist Competition, releases his debut album, on which he recorded Jhula Jhule
July 24, 2026
Sandhiprakash recorded by Tippet Rise is out now
Cellist Arlen Hlusko’s full album, komorebi, out on September 25th
News
September 4, 2026
Jhula Jhule featured on oboist’s debut album Briefly Gorgeous – out now
Oboist Talukder, winner of Cedilla Records’ 2025 Emerging Artist Competition, releases his debut album, on which he recorded Jhula Jhule
July 24, 2026
Sandhiprakash recorded by Tippet Rise is out now
Cellist Arlen Hlusko’s full album, komorebi, out on September 25th
Photo by TEDXSkidRow 2012.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz at the Festival of India
Charlotte, NCSequina DuBose and Vidita Kanniks perform Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the culminating event of the Festival of India.
Carnatic violinists Dr. Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj perform Ram Tori Maya with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Atlanta, GACarnatic violinists Dr. Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj perform Ram Tori Maya with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
World Premiere of Violin and Baritone Work for Hilary Hahn and Matthias Goerne
Atlanta, GAHilary Hahn (violin) and Matthias Goerne (baritone) premiere Esmail's bold, 30-minute work for violin and baritone at Spivey Hall in Atlanta. Texts by Paul Celan and Rebecca Gayle Howell.
Hilary Hahn and Matthias Goerne Perform New Violin and Baritone Work
Athens, GAHilary Hahn (violin) and Matthias Goerne (baritone) perform Esmail’s bold, 30-minute work for violin and baritone at the University of Georgia. Texts by Paul Celan and Rebecca Gayle Howell.
Jackson Symphony Orchestra Performs Ram Tori Maya
Jackson, MIThe Jackson Symphony Orchestra performs Ram Tori Maya, programmed alongside Bernstein's Symphonic Dances.
*Reena will be present at the starred events. Please come say hello!
Catalog
With a catalog of more than 100 original works—nearly 200 including alternate instrumentations—Reena’s music spans the genres of orchestral, choral, vocal, chamber, and band music. Her work is recognized for its distinctive synthesis of Western and Indian classical traditions: sometimes by weaving Indian musical elements into Western ensembles, and other times by bringing musicians from both traditions into direct dialogue with one another.
Alongside her concert work, she also has an expanding body of works for students, as well as side-by-side pieces that bring professional and community musicians together (some of which are free of charge to performers and community ensembles).
Browse Reena’s complete catalog here. For conductors seeking orchestral repertoire, an interactive tool allows you to filter and discover works based on instrumentation, duration, and difficulty. Choral directors can also explore an interactive tool for choral recommendations tailored to ensemble, level, length et al here.
Reena with Arlen Hlusko at Tippet Rise, Fishtail, MT 2022.
Blog
Blog is forthcoming. Stay tuned.
FAQ
For interviews and articles that cover a range of questions Reena is most often asked, visit the FAQ page.
Projects
Check back for a list of Reena’s projects!
