Description

‘“Even more than uniting musical practices, this piece unites people from two different musical traditions: a sitar and tabla join the choir and baroque orchestra. Each of the musicians is asked to keep one hand firmly rooted in their own tradition and training, while reaching the other hand outward to greet another musical culture.”’ (Reena Esmail)

A luminous voice in today’s choral world, Reena Esmail unites Eastern and Western influences, creating a transcendent and deeply human musical alchemy. This Love Between Us weaves texts from seven faiths, sung in English and their original languages. Each movement blends Indian and Western classical styles—from Baroque brilliance to the meditative depth of Hindustani raga. Scored for period-instrument Baroque orchestra, plus sitar and tabla, we pair this work with Johann Sebastian Bach’s radiant Magnificat, offering a thrilling “East meets West” finale to our 32nd season. On "This Love Between Us", we are pleased to share the stage with the Seattle Bach Festival Orchestra, Tekla Cunningham, violin/concertmaster, the UW Chamber Singers, Dr. Geoffrey Boers, director, Ravi Albright, tabla, and Sampada Bhalerao, sitar.

Ensemble Photos

Choral Arts Northwest