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Reena Esmail

Composer

The Voyage (string orchestra version)

May 11, 2022 by

Program Notes

This work started in its trio version, for a professional violinist and violist, and their daughter, who was just learning to play the violin. I loved working with Julia St. John, who was eight years old at the time, to create a piece that would showcase and feature her — both as a young performer, and as the loveliest musical collaborator.

The title of the movements, and of the work itself, are Julia’s. You’ll have to ask her if you want to know why she decided on those names. Or you can create your own story as you play.

The string orchestra version of this work was created in partnership with Catherine Birke, and the amazing students of Herricks High School in Long Island, NY, who are playing the premiere recording below. It was written specifically for youth string ensembles, and features both Western and Hindustani string techniques.

Recording

Herricks High School Chamber Orchestra
Catherine Birke, director

Audio Guide

(forthcoming)

Premiere/Performances

Press/Reviews

View Product

Instrumentation: youth string orchestra

Duration: 12′

Year: 2021

Movements: 4

Commissioned by: Scott, Sharon and Julia St. John; string orchestra version created with Herricks High School Orchestra; Catherine Birke, director

Program Notes

Recording

Special Performance Requirements

Audio Guide (for performers)

Premiere/Performances

Press/Reviews

Esmail is the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s 2020-2025 Swan Family Artist in Residence, and was Seattle Symphony’s 2020-21 Composer-in-Residence. She also holds awards/fellowships from United States Artists, the S&R Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Kennedy Center.

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Contact Details

Requesting a perusal copy of choral music
Email: [email protected]

Offer volume discounts to wholesalers for print orders
Please inquire at: [email protected]

All other inquiries
Please email: [email protected]

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