LOS ANGELES — Southern California native Reena Esmail, The Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Swan Family artist-in-residence, blends cultural and literary influences to convey the importance and power of water, which holds a sacred place in Indian classical music. 

“Malhaar: A Requiem for Water” was inspired by William O’Daly’s book “Water Ways,” and features Hindustani vocalist Saili Oak and video projection by artist Camilla Tassi.

LA Master Chorale, under the direction of Grant Gershon, premieres Esmail’s “Malhaar: A Requiem for Water” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday.