Nina Shekhar is a composer and multimedia artist who explores the intersection of identity, vulnerability, love, and laughter to create bold and intensely personal works. 

Described as “tart and compelling” (New York Times), “vivid” (Washington Post), an “orchestral supernova” (LA Times), and a "rare composer who opens our ears a little wider each time" (Chicago Tribune), her music has been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, LA Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird, International Contemporary Ensemble, JACK Quartet, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.  Her work has been featured at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Library of Congress. 

Recent events include China and Germany tours with the New York Philharmonic, her Hollywood Bowl debut with the LA Philharmonic, and international performances by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony, and Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.  Current projects include commissions for the New York Philharmonic, a new accordion concerto for a consortium of orchestras led by St. Louis Symphony, a concerto for MIDI keyboard and choir for The Crossing, and a children's interactive piece co-commissioned by Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), The People's Music School, and Play on Philly (sponsored by LA Phil and New Music USA).  Shekhar is the recipient of the 2021 Rudolf Nissim Prize and the 2018 ASCAP Foundation Leonard Bernstein Award, funded by the Bernstein family. 

Shekhar is on the Composition faculty of Mannes School of Music at The New School and is a PhD candidate at Princeton University.  She previously served as Young Concert Artists’ composer-in-residence and completed composition graduate studies at University of Southern California and undergraduate studies at University of Michigan, earning dual degrees in music composition and chemical engineering. She is a first-generation Indian American and a native of Detroit, Michigan.