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Reena Esmail

Composer

Recent Releases

Chamak (चमक) (2022)

for Grade 4 band (10 min, 3 mmts)
commissioned by Mark Duker (Waubonsie Valley High School,  Naperville IL) and consortium

Dhire Dhire (version for SATB) (2022)

SATB chorus (5 min)
original version commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

I do not know what I know (version for soprano and orchestra) (2022)

soprano and orchestra (7 min)
aria from Say Your Name
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

I do not know what I know (version for soprano and piano) (2022)

soprano and piano (7 min)
aria from Say Your Name
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

Lacrimosa (from Malhaar: A Requiem for Water) (2023)

SATB chorus and tabla (7 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water (2023)

SATB chorus, Hindustani vocalist, tabla and (Western) percussion (45 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

Ram Tori Maya – 2-part treble choir (2019)

two-part treble choir and piano (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

RE|Member (oboe duo version) (2021)

two oboes (5 min)
original version for orchestra co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

RE|Member (orchestra) (2021)

orchestra (7 min)
co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Sandhiprakash (2022)

unaccompanied cello (9′)
commissioned by Tippet Rise for Arlen Hlusko

Say Your Name (2022)

solo soprano, choir and orchestra (~30 min)
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
libretto by Rebecca Gayle Howell

Sonata for trombone and piano (2022)

new work for trombone and piano (14 min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Brittany Lasch and consortium

Testament (from Vishwas) – string orchestra version (2017)

string orchestra (with optional tabla)

The Love of Thousands (SATB version) (2019)

SATB choir (5 mins)
version commissioned by Green Lake Festival of Music

Trust the Ballot (2022)

SATB chorus and piano (5 min)
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

We Are Love (2022)

soprano, SATB choir and community choir (8 min)
text by Melissa Studdard

Who makes a clearing (2022)

soprano, violin and cello (8 min)
commissioned by friends of New Music USA, in honor of Frederick Peters

Upcoming Music

If the River Leaves Without Me (2023)

SSAA chorus (4 min)
commissioned by California Choral Directors Association

Kabir Songs (Dhire Dhire et al)* (2022)

new cycle for soprano and piano (3 songs, ~12 min)
on couplets of 14c saint-poet Kabir
*this work is partially completed

new cantata for soprano and chamber ensemble* (2024)

soprano, piano trio and flute (20 min)
commissioned by TENET Vocal Artists
*this work is not yet completed

new chamber work*

new work for piano quintet and tabla (~15 min)
commissioned by Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
*this work is not yet completed

new choral suite* (2025)

five movement set for SATB Chorus (~15-20′)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new concerto for orchestra* (2025)

for orchestra (~45 min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new concerto* (2025)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new double concerto* (2026)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new etudes for clarinet* (2023)

Bb Clarinet (5 min; 2 mmts)
*this work has not yet been completed

new piano concerto* (2027)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new song cycle for soprano and orchestra* (2023)

for soprano and orchestra
*this work is not yet completed

new suite for choir and brass* (2024)

new set for SATB choir and brass ensemble (~10-12 min)
commissioned by Cathedral Choral Society
*this work is not yet completed

new work for choir* (2023)

new work for Illinois Wesleyan Choir (5 min)
*this work is not yet completed

new work for guitar ensemble* (2024)

guitar ensemble (full instrumentation forthcoming) (20′)
commissioned by Austin Classical Guitar

new work for string quartet* (2024)

string quartet (~20′)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new work for unaccompanied flute* (2024)

new work for unaccompanied flute ( XX min)
commissioned by  Flute New Music Consortium
*this work is not yet completed

new work for youth orchestra* (2024)

youth orchestra with Hindustani classical instruments
*this work has not yet been completed

Recitativo* (2021)

cello and piano (7′)
commissioned by Yoshi Masuda

Rosa de Sal (trumpet and orchestra)* (2023)

for trumpet and chamber orchestra
commissioned by Mary Elizabeth Bowden
*this work has not yet been completed

Sŭnaao (सुनाऔ) (2023)

three songs for youth chorus (SA, SAB, SATB) – 3 mmts, 10 min
commissioned by Southern California Vocal Association
new text by Reena Bhansali
*this work is not yet completed

Orchestra and Choir

I Rise: Women in Song (2016)

for women’s chorus, string orchestra, flute and harp (25 min, 5 mmts)
versions for small ensemble and selections for SSA+flute also available
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

Say Your Name (2022)

solo soprano, choir and orchestra (~30 min)
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
libretto by Rebecca Gayle Howell

She Will Transform You (choir+orchestra) (2019)

for SATB Chorus and orchestra (14 min)
commissioned by Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

Still I Rise (SATB version) (2016)

version of mmt 5 from I Rise (5 min, 1 mmt)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

Take What You Need (double choir + string orchestra) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together 

version for SATB chorus, string orchestra, and community choir and/or audience (length varies)

commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (2016)

for SATB Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (SSAA version) (2016)

version for SSAA Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
SSAA version commissioned by Missouri State University, Erin Plisco, conductor
original SATB version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/string orchestra) (2016)

for treble chorus, sitar and tabla and string orchestra (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

Orchestra with Soloist(s)

Aria (2009)

for Hindustani singer and orchestra (12 min)
written for Yale Philharmonia

Clarinet Concerto (2017)

clarinet and orchestra (16min; 2 mmts)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Shankar Tucker

Concerto for Hindustani Violin and Orchestra (2022)

for Hindustani violin and orchestra (22 min)
commissioned by Seattle Symphony for Kala Ramnath

Concerto For You (2019)

for solo violin and youth string orchestra (12 mins)
commissioned by ARTSpeaks for Neuqua Valley High School Orchestra

I do not know what I know (version for soprano and orchestra) (2022)

soprano and orchestra (7 min)
aria from Say Your Name
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -chamber orchestra (2018)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and chamber orchestra (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -full orchestra (2018)

for Hindustani singer, soprano and full orchestra (3mmts; 21min)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

new concerto* (2025)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new double concerto* (2026)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new piano concerto* (2027)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new song cycle for soprano and orchestra* (2023)

for soprano and orchestra
*this work is not yet completed

RE|Member (orchestra) (2021)

orchestra (7 min)
co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Rosa de Sal (trumpet and orchestra)* (2023)

for trumpet and chamber orchestra
commissioned by Mary Elizabeth Bowden
*this work has not yet been completed

Testament (from Vishwas) – full orchestra version (2017)

for full orchestra and tabla

The Blue Room (2007)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (17 min; 2 mmts)
written for Robert Bolyard, conductor for Yale Repertory Orchestra and Alexander Woods, violin

The History Of Red (2020)

soprano and chamber orchestra (20 min)
poetry of Linda Hogan
commissioned by Santa Fe Pro Musica, The Knights (Brooklyn), River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (Houston) and Orlando Philharmonic, with soprano Kathryn Mueller

Orchestra (only)

Avartan (2016)

chamber orchestra (13 min)
commissioned by American Composers Orchestra

Black Iris (2018)

 for full orchestra (11 min)
commissioned by  Chicago Sinfonietta;
revised version for San Francisco Symphony

new concerto for orchestra* (2025)

for orchestra (~45 min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

Ram Tori Maya – full orchestra (2022)

for orchestra (2022)
commissioned by Carnegie Hall Link Up Program

RE|Member (orchestra) (2021)

orchestra (7 min)
co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Testament (from Vishwas) – full orchestra version (2017)

for full orchestra and tabla

String Orchestra

Teen Murti (2013)

for string orchestra (11 mins)
commissioned by River Oaks Chamber Orchestra

Testament (from Vishwas) – string orchestra version (2017)

string orchestra (with optional tabla)

Zeher (version for cello and string orchestra) (2018)

solo cello and string orchestra (7 min)
commissioned by Brooklyn Rider

Choir

SATB Choir (only)

A Winter Breviary (2021)

three carols for SATB choir (12 min)
new text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

Dhire Dhire (version for SATB) (2022)

SATB chorus (5 min)
original version commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

Even After All this Time… (SATB only) (2016)

version for SATB Chorus (6 min)
commissioned by Lindsay Pope

new choral suite* (2025)

five movement set for SATB Chorus (~15-20′)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

new work for choir* (2023)

new work for Illinois Wesleyan Choir (5 min)
*this work is not yet completed

Quarantine Madrigals (2020)

solo voice or choir (15 min: 8 mmts)
commissioned by Conspirare
new text by Amy Fogerson

Ritual (2006)

SATB chorus, clarinet and piano (5 min)

Sŭnaao (सुनाऔ) (2023)

three songs for youth chorus (SA, SAB, SATB) – 3 mmts, 10 min
commissioned by Southern California Vocal Association
new text by Reena Bhansali
*this work is not yet completed

TaReKiTa (2016)

SATB Chorus (2 min) – also available in SSAA and TTBB
written for Urban Voices Project

The Love of Thousands (SATB version) (2019)

SATB choir (5 mins)
version commissioned by Green Lake Festival of Music

Trust the Ballot (2022)

SATB chorus and piano (5 min)
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

Tuttarana (SATB) (2014)

version for SATB Chorus (3 min)
commissioned by Mount Holyoke Glee Club; Lindsay Pope, conductor

We Are Love (2022)

soprano, SATB choir and community choir (8 min)
text by Melissa Studdard

White Key (2009)

SSAATTBB chorus (14 min)
premiered by Yale Camerata; Brian Bartoldus, conductor

SATB Choir (w/ obbligato instrument(s))

Earth Speaks (2015)

SATB chorus, horn and piano (45 min; 9 mmts)
commissioned by Pasadena Master Chorale

Even After All this Time… (with clarinet) (2016)

SATB Chorus and clarinet (7 min)
commissioned by Lindsay Pope

Lacrimosa (from Malhaar: A Requiem for Water) (2023)

SATB chorus and tabla (7 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water (2023)

SATB chorus, Hindustani vocalist, tabla and (Western) percussion (45 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

new suite for choir and brass* (2024)

new set for SATB choir and brass ensemble (~10-12 min)
commissioned by Cathedral Choral Society
*this work is not yet completed

She Will Transform You (SATB + flute) (2020)

SATB Chorus and flute (8 min)
poetry of Neelanjana Banerjee
commissioned by Richmond Symphony and Chorus

Still I Rise (SATB version) (2016)

version of mmt 5 from I Rise (5 min, 1 mmt)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

The Tipping Point (2021)

SATB choir and tabla (9 minutes)
commissioned by Santa Fe Desert Chorale
text by Amy Fogerson

When the Guitar (2019)

version for SATB chorus and guitar quartet (6 min)
commissioned by Conspirare; Craig Hella Johnson, conductor

When the Violin (9vcs + cello) (2018)

version for 9 voices (SSAATTBBB) and cello (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (9vcs + violin) (2018)

version for 9 voices (SSAATTBBB) and violin (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (SATB+cello) (2018)

for SATB choir and cello obbligato (6 min)
commissioned by Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (SATB+viola) (2018)

for SATB choir and viola obbligato (6 min)
commissioned by Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (SATB+violin) (2018)

version for SATB chorus and violin (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

Treble Choir

Ave Maria (2006)

for SSAA Chorus (4 min)

I Rise: Women in Song (4-voice+single instruments) (2016)

version for women’s chorus, string quintet, flute and harp (25 min, 5 mmts)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

I Rise: Women in Song (SSAA+flute) (2016)

reduced version for women’s chorus and flute (15 min, 3 mmts)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

If the River Leaves Without Me (2023)

SSAA chorus (4 min)
commissioned by California Choral Directors Association

Listen (2021)

two-part treble chorus (4 min)

Quarantine Madrigals (2020)

solo voice or choir (15 min: 8 mmts)
commissioned by Conspirare
new text by Amy Fogerson

Ram Tori Maya – 2-part treble choir (2019)

two-part treble choir and piano (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Sŭnaao (सुनाऔ) (2023)

three songs for youth chorus (SA, SAB, SATB) – 3 mmts, 10 min
commissioned by Southern California Vocal Association
new text by Reena Bhansali
*this work is not yet completed

TaReKiTa (2016)

SATB Chorus (2 min) – also available in SSAA and TTBB
written for Urban Voices Project

The Dirt is Red Here (from Earth Speaks) (2015)

SSSA chorus (4min)
commissioned by Pasadena Master Chorale

The Love of Thousands (12-part treble version) (2019)

treble choir (8 mins)
commissioned by Classical Movements’ Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program for the San Francisco Girls Chorus

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (SSAA version) (2016)

version for SSAA Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
SSAA version commissioned by Missouri State University, Erin Plisco, conductor
original SATB version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/piano) (2016)

for treble chorus, piano, sitar and tabla (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/string orchestra) (2016)

for treble chorus, sitar and tabla and string orchestra (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

Tuttarana (SSA) (2014)

SSA Chorus (3 min)
commissioned by Mount Holyoke Glee Club; Lindsay Pope, conductor

works with Community/Audience Voices

interglow (Fall 2020)

string quartet, flute, piano and community voices (5 min)
commissioned by Salastina Music Society

Listen (2021)

two-part treble chorus (4 min)

See Me (2020)

SATB chorus + community chorus (7 min)
commissioned by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor

Take What You Need – Double Choir (no instruments) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
for SATB choir and community choir and/or audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Take What You Need (double choir + string quintet) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
version for SATB chorus, string quintet, and community choir and/or audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Take What You Need (Double Choir and Piano) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
version for SATB chorus, piano, and community choir and/or audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Take What You Need (Hymnal Style Chorale Version) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
for SATB community singing (2 min)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

We Are Love (2022)

soprano, SATB choir and community choir (8 min)
text by Melissa Studdard

Vocal (Western classical voice)

Take What You Need (singer+piano) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
version for one singer and piano – singalong with audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Soprano

Chuti Hui Jagah (soprano+piano) (2015)

version for soprano and piano (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

Dhire Dhire (version for soprano and piano trio) (2022)

soprano and piano trio (5 min)
commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

I do not know what I know (version for soprano and orchestra) (2022)

soprano and orchestra (7 min)
aria from Say Your Name
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

I do not know what I know (version for soprano and piano) (2022)

soprano and piano (7 min)
aria from Say Your Name
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
text by Rebecca Gayle Howell

I Rise: Women in Song (4-voice+single instruments) (2016)

version for women’s chorus, string quintet, flute and harp (25 min, 5 mmts)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

Kabir Songs (Dhire Dhire et al)* (2022)

new cycle for soprano and piano (3 songs, ~12 min)
on couplets of 14c saint-poet Kabir
*this work is partially completed

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -chamber orchestra (2018)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and chamber orchestra (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -full orchestra (2018)

for Hindustani singer, soprano and full orchestra (3mmts; 21min)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -Piano Quintet (2019)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and piano quintet (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by SongFest for Saili Oak

new cantata for soprano and chamber ensemble* (2024)

soprano, piano trio and flute (20 min)
commissioned by TENET Vocal Artists
*this work is not yet completed

new song cycle for soprano and orchestra* (2023)

for soprano and orchestra
*this work is not yet completed

Quarantine Madrigals (2020)

solo voice or choir (15 min: 8 mmts)
commissioned by Conspirare
new text by Amy Fogerson

Rosa de Sal (2020)

soprano and piano
commissioned by Nirav Kamdar

Say Your Name (2022)

solo soprano, choir and orchestra (~30 min)
commissioned by Amherst College; Arianne Abela, conductor
libretto by Rebecca Gayle Howell

The History Of Red (2020)

soprano and chamber orchestra (20 min)
poetry of Linda Hogan
commissioned by Santa Fe Pro Musica, The Knights (Brooklyn), River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (Houston) and Orlando Philharmonic, with soprano Kathryn Mueller

This Love Between Us, mmt 5 (soprano/tenor/piano version) (2023)

version for soprano, tenor and piano (5 min)
arranged from Hinduism movement of This Love Between Us

This Love Between Us, mmt 5 (Trio Version) (2020)

version for soprano/mezzo, violin and piano (5 min)
arranged from 5th movement of This Love Between Us

Two Tones (soprano+oboe+English horn) (2007)

version for soprano, oboe, English horn and piano (5 min)

Who makes a clearing (2022)

soprano, violin and cello (8 min)
commissioned by friends of New Music USA, in honor of Frederick Peters

Mezzo-Soprano

Anjuman Songs (2013)

mezzo-soprano, narrator, English horn and piano (12 min)
commissioned by Diana Arterian

Chuti Hui Jagah (alto or Hindustani voice+marimba) (2015)

version for soprano and piano (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

Chuti Hui Jagah (mezzo + guitar) (2015)

mezzo-soprano and guitar (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

Chuti Hui Jagah (mezzo+piano) (2015)

mezzo-soprano and piano (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

I Rise: Women in Song (4-voice+single instruments) (2016)

version for women’s chorus, string quintet, flute and harp (25 min, 5 mmts)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

Quarantine Madrigals (2020)

solo voice or choir (15 min: 8 mmts)
commissioned by Conspirare
new text by Amy Fogerson

This Love Between Us, mmt 5 (Trio Version) (2020)

version for soprano/mezzo, violin and piano (5 min)
arranged from 5th movement of This Love Between Us

Two Tones (alto+violin) (2007)

version for alto, violin and piano (5 min)

Tenor/Bass

Quarantine Madrigals (2020)

solo voice or choir (15 min: 8 mmts)
commissioned by Conspirare
new text by Amy Fogerson

This Love Between Us, mmt 5 (soprano/tenor/piano version) (2023)

version for soprano, tenor and piano (5 min)
arranged from Hinduism movement of This Love Between Us

Two Tones (tenor+cello) (2007)

version for tenor, cello and piano (5 min)

Vocal (Hindustani voice)

Aria (2009)

for Hindustani singer and orchestra (12 min)
written for Yale Philharmonia

Chuti Hui Jagah (alto or Hindustani voice+marimba) (2015)

version for soprano and piano (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

Magan Rehna (2019)

arrangement of Hindustani bhajan
Hindustani singer and string quartet (4 min)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -chamber orchestra (2018)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and chamber orchestra (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -full orchestra (2018)

for Hindustani singer, soprano and full orchestra (3mmts; 21min)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Saili Oak

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -Piano Quintet (2019)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and piano quintet (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by SongFest for Saili Oak

Ram Tori Maya – string orchestra (w/ opt. singers) (2019)

two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and piano (2019)

two Hindustani singers and piano (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and string quartet (original) (2019)

arrangement of Hindustani bhajan
two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Chamber Music

Large Ensemble (6+)

Feritas (2010)

trumpet sextet (6 min)
commissioned by the Yale School of Music trumpet studio

interglow (Fall 2020)

string quartet, flute, piano and community voices (5 min)
commissioned by Salastina Music Society

Testament (from Vishwas) – sinfonietta version (2014)

for chamber orchestra (13 min)
commissioned by Albany Symphony – Dogs of Desire

Strings and Piano

Dhire Dhire (version for soprano and piano trio) (2022)

soprano and piano trio (5 min)
commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

interglow (Fall 2020)

string quartet, flute, piano and community voices (5 min)
commissioned by Salastina Music Society

Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz (My Sister’s Voice) -Piano Quintet (2019)

version for Hindustani singer, soprano and piano quintet (21min; 3mmts)
commissioned by SongFest for Saili Oak

new chamber work*

new work for piano quintet and tabla (~15 min)
commissioned by Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
*this work is not yet completed

new work for string quartet* (2024)

string quartet (~20′)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

Piano Quintet (2010)

string quartet and piano (13 min)
commissioned by Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

Piano Trio (2019)

violin, cello and piano (31 min; 4 mmts)
commissioned by Joshua Roman for Town Music Seattle

Saans (2017)

violin, cello and piano (8 min)
written for Suzana Bartal

String Quartet (Ragamala) (2013)

(19 min)
commissioned by the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
 and premiered by the Flux Quartet

String Quartet (Ragamala) (with Hindustani Vocals) (2015)

new version for quartet and Hindustani vocals (ca. 25 mins)
premiered by Salastina Music Society

Teen Murti (SQ + cello solo) (2013)

solo cello and string quartet (2015)
commissioned by Joshua Roman

This Is It (2023)

string quartet (10 min)
commissioned by Greenwood Music Camp

Who makes a clearing (2022)

soprano, violin and cello (8 min)
commissioned by friends of New Music USA, in honor of Frederick Peters

Zeher (2018)

string quartet (7 min)
commissioned by Brooklyn Rider

Woodwinds

RE|Member (oboe duo version) (2021)

two oboes (5 min)
original version for orchestra co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

The Light is the Same (trio version) (2017)

flute, oboe and piano (9 min)
commissioned by Aglow Trio

Brass

Feritas (2010)

trumpet sextet (6 min)
commissioned by the Yale School of Music trumpet studio

Khirkiyaan: Three Transformations for Brass Quintet (2017)

brass quintet (10 mins)
commissioned by Kansas State University Faculty Brass Quintet

new suite for choir and brass* (2024)

new set for SATB choir and brass ensemble (~10-12 min)
commissioned by Cathedral Choral Society
*this work is not yet completed

Tuttarana (Brass Quintet) (2014)

movement 3 of Khirkiyaan for brass quintet (3 min)
commissioned by The Brass Project

Other

Nadiya (flute/cello) (2016)

flute and cello (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Nadiya (flute/viola) (2016)

flute and viola (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Nadiya (violin/bassoon) (2016)

version for violin and bassoon (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Tasveer (2012)

clarinet, violin, cello and piano (5 min)
premiered by Music from Copland House

by Instrument

Violin

Blaze (2019)

for violin and tabla (6 mins)
commissioned by Shalini Vijayan, violinist

Concerto For You (2019)

for solo violin and youth string orchestra (12 mins)
commissioned by ARTSpeaks for Neuqua Valley High School Orchestra

Darshan (2018-2020)

unaccompanied violin (10 min; 2 mmts)
additional movements will be added in coming seasons
commissioned by Vijay Gupta, violinist

Drishti (द्रिष्ती) (2021)

miniatures for unaccompanied violin (10 min; 10 mmts)
commissioned by Coretet for Simone Porter

Hallelujah (arr. of Leonard Cohen) (2017)

unaccompanied violin (5 min)

Jhula Jhule (violin) (2013)

violin and piano (11 min)
commissioned by MuSE

Nadiya (violin/bassoon) (2016)

version for violin and bassoon (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Take What You Need (Unaccompanied Violin) (2016)

version for unaccompanied violin (2 min)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

The Blue Room (2007)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (17 min; 2 mmts)
written for Robert Bolyard, conductor for Yale Repertory Orchestra and Alexander Woods, violin

This Love Between Us, mmt 5 (Trio Version) (2020)

version for soprano/mezzo, violin and piano (5 min)
arranged from 5th movement of This Love Between Us

Two Tones (alto+violin) (2007)

version for alto, violin and piano (5 min)

Two Tones (soprano+violin) (2007)

soprano, violin and piano (5 min)

Varsha (violin version) (2019)

unaccompanied violin (5 min)
commissioned by Juilliard415 for the Haydn Seven Last Words Project

When the Violin (9vcs + violin) (2018)

version for 9 voices (SSAATTBBB) and violin (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (SATB+violin) (2018)

version for SATB chorus and violin (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (unaccompanied violin) (2020)

unaccompanied violin (4 min)
commissioned by Americans for the Arts for Vijay Gupta

Viola

Jhula Jhule (viola) (2013)

viola and piano (11 min)
commissioned by MuSE

Nadiya (flute/viola) (2016)

flute and viola (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Nishani (2014)

unaccompanied viola d’amore (7 min)
commissioned by Matthew Dane

Take What You Need (Unaccompanied Viola) (2016)

version for unaccompanied violin (2 min)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Varsha (viola version) (2019)

version for unaccompanied viola (5 min)
original work (for cello) commissioned by Juilliard415 for the Haydn Seven Last Words Project

When the Violin (SATB+viola) (2018)

for SATB choir and viola obbligato (6 min)
commissioned by Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

Cello

Elegism (2001)

unaccompanied cello (8 min)

Jhula Jhule (cello) (2013)

cello and piano (11 min)

Nadiya (flute/cello) (2016)

flute and cello (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Perhaps (2005, 2015)

unaccompanied cello (5 min / 10 min)
with film by Heather McCalden

Recitativo* (2021)

cello and piano (7′)
commissioned by Yoshi Masuda

Sandhiprakash (2022)

unaccompanied cello (9′)
commissioned by Tippet Rise for Arlen Hlusko

Two Tones (tenor+cello) (2007)

version for tenor, cello and piano (5 min)

Varsha (cello version) (2019)

unaccompanied cello (5 min)
commissioned by Juilliard415 for the Haydn Seven Last Words Project

When the Violin (9vcs + cello) (2018)

version for 9 voices (SSAATTBBB) and cello (6 min)
commissioned by  Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

When the Violin (SATB+cello) (2018)

for SATB choir and cello obbligato (6 min)
commissioned by Golden Bridge Choir; Suzi Digby, conductor

Zeher (version for cello and string orchestra) (2018)

solo cello and string orchestra (7 min)
commissioned by Brooklyn Rider

Piano

America/Desh (2020)

solo piano (4’)
commissioned by Min Kwon

Crystal Preludes (2020)

piano solo (10 min; 3 mmts)
additional movements will be added in coming seasons
written for Crystal Rivette

new piano concerto* (2027)

new work for TBA (X min)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

Rang de Basant (2012)

for piano solo (7 min)
commissioned by Kimball Gallagher

Guitar

Chuti Hui Jagah (mezzo + guitar) (2015)

mezzo-soprano and guitar (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

new work for guitar ensemble* (2024)

guitar ensemble (full instrumentation forthcoming) (20′)
commissioned by Austin Classical Guitar

When the Guitar (2019)

version for SATB chorus and guitar quartet (6 min)
commissioned by Conspirare; Craig Hella Johnson, conductor

Harp

Inconvenient Wounds (2021)

solo harp (5 min)
commissioned by  Yolanda Kondonassis for Five Minutes for Earth

Flute

Chardonnay (2001)

unaccompanied flute (5 min)

Flute Sonata (2019)

flute and piano (7 min)
co-commissioned by Chamber Music Palisades (Susan Greenberg, flute) and Benjamin Smolen, flute

I Rise: Women in Song (SSAA+flute) (2016)

reduced version for women’s chorus and flute (15 min, 3 mmts)
commissioned by Lehigh University Choral Arts, Sun Min Lee, conductor

Jhula Jhule (flute) (2013)

version for flute and piano (11 min)

Nadiya (flute/cello) (2016)

flute and cello (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

Nadiya (flute/viola) (2016)

flute and viola (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

new work for unaccompanied flute* (2024)

new work for unaccompanied flute ( XX min)
commissioned by  Flute New Music Consortium
*this work is not yet completed

She Will Transform You (SATB + flute) (2020)

SATB Chorus and flute (8 min)
poetry of Neelanjana Banerjee
commissioned by Richmond Symphony and Chorus

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

The Light is the Same (trio version) (2017)

flute, oboe and piano (9 min)
commissioned by Aglow Trio

Zinfandel (flute version) (2010)

transcribed for flute (6 min)

Oboe

Anjuman Songs (2013)

mezzo-soprano, narrator, English horn and piano (12 min)
commissioned by Diana Arterian

Jhula Jhule (oboe) (2013)

oboe and piano (11 min)

Pranayam (2022)

oboe and piano (10 min)
commissioned by International Double Reed Society

RE|Member (oboe duo version) (2021)

two oboes (5 min)
original version for orchestra co-commissioned by Seattle Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

The Light is the Same (trio version) (2017)

flute, oboe and piano (9 min)
commissioned by Aglow Trio

The Whole Story (2005)

oboe and piano (19 min; 3 mmts)
written for Josiane Henry

Two Tones (soprano+oboe+English horn) (2007)

version for soprano, oboe, English horn and piano (5 min)

Clarinet

Clarinet Concerto (2017)

clarinet and orchestra (16min; 2 mmts)
commissioned by Albany Symphony for Shankar Tucker

Jhula Jhule (clarinet) (2013)

clarinet and piano (11 min)

new etudes for clarinet* (2023)

Bb Clarinet (5 min; 2 mmts)
*this work has not yet been completed

Tasveer (2012)

clarinet, violin, cello and piano (5 min)
premiered by Music from Copland House

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

Bassoon

Nadiya (violin/bassoon) (2016)

version for violin and bassoon (5 min)
commissioned by Pieces of Eight – Benjamin Larsen and Martha Cargo

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

Zinfandel (2010)

unaccompanied bassoon (6 min)

Horn

The Light is the Same (quintet version) (2017)

flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon (9 min)
commissioned by Imani Winds

Trumpet

Feritas (2010)

trumpet sextet (6 min)
commissioned by the Yale School of Music trumpet studio

Jhula Jhule (trumpet) (2013)

trumpet and piano (11 min)

Pedernal (2021)

unaccompanied trumpet (1 min)
commissioned by Mary Elizabeth Bowden

Rosa de Sal (trumpet and orchestra)* (2023)

for trumpet and chamber orchestra
commissioned by Mary Elizabeth Bowden
*this work has not yet been completed

Trombone

Sonata for trombone and piano (2022)

new work for trombone and piano (14 min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Brittany Lasch and consortium

Percussion

Chuti Hui Jagah (alto or Hindustani voice+marimba) (2015)

version for soprano and piano (10min; 3 mmts)
commissioned by Colin Davin for Millenial Music Festival

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water (2023)

SATB chorus, Hindustani vocalist, tabla and (Western) percussion (45 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

Sitar

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (2016)

for SATB Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (SSAA version) (2016)

version for SSAA Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
SSAA version commissioned by Missouri State University, Erin Plisco, conductor
original SATB version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/piano) (2016)

for treble chorus, piano, sitar and tabla (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/string orchestra) (2016)

for treble chorus, sitar and tabla and string orchestra (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

Hindustani Violin

Concerto for Hindustani Violin and Orchestra (2022)

for Hindustani violin and orchestra (22 min)
commissioned by Seattle Symphony for Kala Ramnath

Tabla

Blaze (2019)

for violin and tabla (6 mins)
commissioned by Shalini Vijayan, violinist

Lacrimosa (from Malhaar: A Requiem for Water) (2023)

SATB chorus and tabla (7 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

Malhaar: A Requiem for Water (2023)

SATB chorus, Hindustani vocalist, tabla and (Western) percussion (45 min)
commissioned by Los Angeles Master Chorale

new chamber work*

new work for piano quintet and tabla (~15 min)
commissioned by Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
*this work is not yet completed

Testament (from Vishwas) – string orchestra version (2017)

string orchestra (with optional tabla)

The Tipping Point (2021)

SATB choir and tabla (9 minutes)
commissioned by Santa Fe Desert Chorale
text by Amy Fogerson

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (2016)

for SATB Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity (SSAA version) (2016)

version for SSAA Chorus, baroque orchestra, sitar and tabla
SSAA version commissioned by Missouri State University, Erin Plisco, conductor
original SATB version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music with Juilliard415

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/piano) (2016)

for treble chorus, piano, sitar and tabla (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 (version for SSAA choir/sitar/tabla/string orchestra) (2016)

for treble chorus, sitar and tabla and string orchestra (4 mins)
original version commissioned by Yale Institute of Sacred Music

Music for Young People

Solo Vocal (Western-trained)

Dhire Dhire (version for soprano and piano trio) (2022)

soprano and piano trio (5 min)
commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

Kabir Songs (Dhire Dhire et al)* (2022)

new cycle for soprano and piano (3 songs, ~12 min)
on couplets of 14c saint-poet Kabir
*this work is partially completed

Youth Chorus

Dhire Dhire (version for SATB) (2022)

SATB chorus (5 min)
original version commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

If the River Leaves Without Me (2023)

SSAA chorus (4 min)
commissioned by California Choral Directors Association

Listen (2021)

two-part treble chorus (4 min)

new choral suite* (2025)

five movement set for SATB Chorus (~15-20′)
commissioned by (TBA)
*this work is not yet completed

Ram Tori Maya – 2-part treble choir (2019)

two-part treble choir and piano (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Sŭnaao (सुनाऔ) (2023)

three songs for youth chorus (SA, SAB, SATB) – 3 mmts, 10 min
commissioned by Southern California Vocal Association
new text by Reena Bhansali
*this work is not yet completed

Take What You Need (Double Choir and Youth Orchestra) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
version for SATB chorus, youth string orchestra, and community choir and/or audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

Take What You Need (Hymnal Style Chorale Version) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
for SATB community singing (2 min)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

TaReKiTa (2016)

SATB Chorus (2 min) – also available in SSAA and TTBB
written for Urban Voices Project

The Love of Thousands (SATB version) (2019)

SATB choir (5 mins)
version commissioned by Green Lake Festival of Music

Youth Orchestra (full)

new work for youth orchestra* (2024)

youth orchestra with Hindustani classical instruments
*this work has not yet been completed

Ram Tori Maya – full orchestra (2022)

for orchestra (2022)
commissioned by Carnegie Hall Link Up Program

Youth String Orchestra

Acharanga (string orchestra) (2018)

youth string orchestra, with optional sitar/tabla parts (3 min)
commissioned by William Annin Middle School, NJ

Concerto For You (2019)

for solo violin and youth string orchestra (12 mins)
commissioned by ARTSpeaks for Neuqua Valley High School Orchestra

Ram Tori Maya – string orchestra (w/ opt. singers) (2019)

two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and string quartet (original) (2019)

arrangement of Hindustani bhajan
two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Take What You Need (Double Choir and Youth Orchestra) (2016)

a unique work designed for musicians and communities to perform together
version for SATB chorus, youth string orchestra, and community choir and/or audience (length varies)
commissioned by Street Symphony  for Urban Voices Project

The Voyage (string orchestra version) (2021)

for youth string orchestra (12 min, 4 mmts)
string orchestra version created with Herricks High School Orchestra; Catherine Birke, director

Band

Chamak (चमक) (2022)

for Grade 4 band (10 min, 3 mmts)
commissioned by Mark Duker (Waubonsie Valley High School,  Naperville IL) and consortium

Chamber Music

Dhire Dhire (version for soprano and piano trio) (2022)

soprano and piano trio (5 min)
commissioned by Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

I Wonder as I Wander (2014)

for piano trio (4′)

Ram Tori Maya – string orchestra (w/ opt. singers) (2019)

two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and string quartet (original) (2019)

arrangement of Hindustani bhajan
two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

The Voyage (trio version) (2020)

string trio for student violinist (approx. Suzuki Grade 3), with violin and viola (12 min, 4 mmts)
commissioned by Scott, Sharon and Julia St. John

Unlikely Stories (2020)

student violin and piano (10 min, 3 mmts)
commissioned by Cora Cooper, Sleepy Puppy Press

Arrangements

Indian A Cappella et al

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and piano (2019)

two Hindustani singers and piano (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and string quartet (original) (2019)

arrangement of Hindustani bhajan
two Hindustani singers and string quartet (2019)
written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 

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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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