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.

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Photo by Rachel Garcia.

New Releases

See Me album released on Spotify

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

American Tapestry album released

February 9, 2026

American Tapestry album released

The musicians of Pacific Symphony release a new album of chamber music including … Read more

Crystal Preludes: Book I is out!

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

See All New Releases

News

Double Concerto interview on WETA FM

February 23, 2026

Double Concerto interview on WETA FM

Listen to Orli Shaham’s beautiful interview about Reena’s new Double Concerto — … Read more

Double Concerto interview on WETA FM

February 23, 2026

Double Concerto interview on WETA FM

Listen to Orli Shaham’s beautiful interview about Reena’s new Double Concerto — … Read more

Join Esmail ICA consortium

January 2, 2026

Join Esmail ICA consortium

Clarinetists: there is still time to join the International Clarinet Association’s consortium … Read more

See All News

Photo by TEDXSkidRow 2012.

Mar 6

Los Angeles: Meera Kahe premiere*

premiere of Meera Kahe, a new 30 minute cantata for Hindustani singer Saili Oak and Tesserae Baroque

Mar 7

Ojai Music Festival: Meera Kahe premiere*

premiere of Meera Kahe, a new 30 minute cantata for Hindustani singer Saili Oak and Tesserae Baroque

Mar 7

RE|Member on Interlochen: Imagine US Tour

Interlochen's four-city Imagine US tour program opens with RE|Member

Mar 10

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

Mar 13

consortium premiere of Double Concerto

Eric Jacobsen conducts a premiere performance of Double Concerto for Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham with Virgina Symphony

View full calendar.

*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 orchestralchoralvocalchamber, 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!