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
April 1, 2026
Terra Infirma (the album) releases April 17, 2026
GRAMMY-nominated harpist Yolanda Kondonassis will release her new album TERRA INFIRMA on April 17 through Azica Records. The recording of Esmail’s Terra Infirma features the Interlochen Orchestra and conductor Andrew Grams.
March 20, 2026
I Wonder as I Wander is out now
Esmail’s arrangement for piano trio of the popular Christmas carol has been released on streaming platforms.
February 27, 2026
Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz is out now
Long-awaited after last year’s viral instagram reel, the recording of Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice), featuring singers Saili Oak and Lucy Fitz Gibbon, is out now on streaming platforms.
News
April 1, 2026
Terra Infirma (the album) releases April 17, 2026
GRAMMY-nominated harpist Yolanda Kondonassis will release her new album TERRA INFIRMA on April 17 through Azica Records. The recording of Esmail’s Terra Infirma features the Interlochen Orchestra and conductor Andrew Grams.
March 20, 2026
I Wonder as I Wander is out now
Esmail’s arrangement for piano trio of the popular Christmas carol has been released on streaming platforms.
Photo by TEDXSkidRow 2012.
Choral Arts Northwest performs This Love Between Us
Seattle, WAChoral Arts Northwest performs This Love Between Us, paired with Bach's Magnificat
Palo Alto Philharmonic performs Ram Tori Maya
Palo Alto, CAPalo Alto Philharmonic performs Ram Tori Maya, programmed alongisde Dvořák, Holst, Bartok, Beethoven, John Williams.
LA Master Chorale performs Malhaar: A Requiem for Water*
Los Angeles, CA
Grant Park Orchestra performs Black Iris
Chicago, ILGrant Park Orchestra performs Black Iris at the Grant Park Music Festival, programmed alongside Copland and Prokofiev
world premiere of string quartet commissioned by Chamber Music Northwest
Portland, OregonViano Quartet premieres Esmail's new string quartet. Commissioned by Chamber Music Northwest.
*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!
