for SSATB and orchestra
She Will Transform You is centred around a powerful poem by Indian-American author Neelanjana Banerjee. The text explores the special relationship of an immigrant and her child to their country of origin, as well as the significant role that a child from both cultures has in bridging the divide between them. The work moves in and out of the Hindustani raga Rageshree, a raga that is grounded in such a way that the ear feels as though it is never quite 'home': the perfect reflection of the text's depiction of simultaneous belonging and distance. Esmail artfully engages full orchestral forces, both in the orchestral prelude and as backdrop to the choral writing, to create a colourful and vibrant work that draws on the sound-worlds of Western European and Indian traditions.
Orchestral materials are available on hire/rental.
An independent version of this work for SSATB and flute is also available.
Reena Esmail works between the worlds of Indian and Western classical music and brings communities together through the creation of equitable musical spaces. Esmail holds degrees from The Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music, and her music has been performed by major orchestras, choirs and chamber groups all over the world. A resident of Los Angeles, Esmail is the 2020-25 Swan Family Artist in Residence with Los Angeles Master Chorale, and was the 2020-21 Composer in Residence with Seattle Symphony. She is the Artistic Director of Shastra, a non-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural music connecting musical traditions of India and the West.
