This text is known as the "Authorization for the Use of Military Force." It is the legal justification for every covert military operation engaged in by the United States military since 9/11.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

Song Cycle for Mezzo-Soprano, Bassoon, and Piano

Music by Kamala Sankaram

A musical spell conjuring three devis to bring light.

Text by Melisa Tien (based on an interview with Dr. R. Sankaram)

Music by Kamala Sankaram

The texts in the piece come from a cross-section of average people, recalling the things that other people have said about their bodies.

This piece is based in part on "Strange Fruit" by Abel Meeropol. In particular, performers may wish to familiarize themselves with the iconic performance of the song by Billie Holiday.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

Song Cycle for Baritone, Piano, and Cello

“Call Out” is an exploration of the difficulties of finding connection online.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

This piece was inspired by both the images and process of JamesWelling's photographic series entitled "Choreograph."

Commissioned by the Tri-Centric Orchestra

Inspired by W.O. Quine's thought experiment about how language acquires meaning.

For Margaret Lancaster and the Flexible Orchestra

Commissioned by Music Kitchen, the text comes from one of their shelter clients.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

Music by Kamala Sankaram

This piece moves from raga Saraswati to Bhairavi and takes inspiration from Keherwa Taal.

This piece is based on chants heard during the 2013 marches in New York City protesting the death of Eric Garner.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

Music by Kamala Sankaram

A gonzo song cycle on text by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson

Commissioned by Anti-Social Music for Election Night, 2008

This piece was inspired by a strange psychoacoustic phenomenon known as The Hum. First reported in the late 70s, people across the world have complained of hearing a strange, subterranean rumble- a sort of "hum" that not only can't be heard by most people, but can't actually be captured on any recording devices.

The Transfiguration of Durga is based on Hindsutani classical music, moving from an improvisatory alap section to a rhythmic jhalla. It features meend, an ornamental technique in Hindustani and Carnatic music that involves bending pitches.

An aleatoric piece dedicated to the memory of my dear sister, Susheela Sankaram, who passed away on 9/19/19 at the age of 39.

Commissioned by FivebyFive for the 2024 total solar eclipse.

Music by Kamala Sankaram

Text by Marie Howe

Music by Kamala Sankaram

For my sisters, Sheela and Uma.