In this episode, I had the great fortune to sit down with Reena Esmail—a composer who bridges the gap between Indian and Western classical music—for an inspiring talk around her goals, struggles, and current projects.
We dig into…
- What it means to pour one’s identity into one’s art (and how terrifying that can be)
- How making meaningful connections with the people around us can become our greatest support network
- And a simple way we can find encouragement from within when we start doubting ourselves.
I’m also studying with Reena now so I’m SUPER excited to introduce her to all of you!
–
Indian-American composer Reena Esmail works between the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, and brings communities together through the creation of equitable musical spaces. In recent seasons, Esmail has worked with the Kronos Quartet, Albany Symphony, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Salastina Music Society, SOLI, and American Composers Orchestra. Her work is performed regularly throughout the US and abroad, and has been programmed at Carnegie Hall, the Barbican Centre in London, Schloss Esterhazy in Hungary, and throughout India. She has served as Composer in Residence for Albany Symphony (2016-17), Street Symphony (2016-present) in downtown Los Angeles, Concerts on the Slope (2015-16) in Brooklyn, NY and the Pasadena Master Chorale (2014-16) in Pasadena, CA. Learn more about Reena at www.reenaesmail.com.
