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
February 20, 2026
See Me album released on Spotify
A new album of Reena’s choral works is out, with recordings of See … Read more
February 9, 2026
American Tapestry album released
The musicians of Pacific Symphony release a new album of chamber music including … Read more
November 1, 2025
Crystal Preludes: Book I is out!
Reena’s full set of preludes for solo piano, written from 2020 to 2025 … Read more
News
February 23, 2026
Double Concerto interview on WETA FM
Listen to Orli Shaham’s beautiful interview about Reena’s new Double Concerto — … Read more
February 23, 2026
Double Concerto interview on WETA FM
Listen to Orli Shaham’s beautiful interview about Reena’s new Double Concerto — … Read more
January 2, 2026
Clarinetists: there is still time to join the International Clarinet Association’s consortium … Read more
Photo by TEDXSkidRow 2012.
Los Angeles: Meera Kahe premiere*
premiere of Meera Kahe, a new 30 minute cantata for Hindustani singer Saili Oak and Tesserae Baroque
Ojai Music Festival: Meera Kahe premiere*
premiere of Meera Kahe, a new 30 minute cantata for Hindustani singer Saili Oak and Tesserae Baroque
RE|Member on Interlochen: Imagine US Tour
Interlochen's four-city Imagine US tour program opens with RE|Member
RE|Member on Interlochen: Imagine US Tour: Detroit
Interlochen's four-city Imagine US tour program opens with RE|Member Orchestra Hall, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center | Detroit, Michigan
consortium premiere of Double Concerto
Eric Jacobsen conducts a premiere performance of Double Concerto for Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham with Virgina Symphony
*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!