About
Personal Profile
Rishi Malhotra (b.2001) is a Dallas based composer and vocalist. Having graduated from Oklahoma State University with his Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition, his compositional interests range from more traditional classical forms to musical theater and jazz.
Having been a composition student of Dr. Igor Karača and voice student of Steve Sanders, both mentors influenced his compositional outlook to be free thinking and open to the cultural topography of his surroundings. Malhotra attributes a lot of his artistic tastes from musicians such as Francis Poulenc, Erik Satie, Stephen Sondheim, and modern popular artists such as Sarah Kinsley, Lyn Lapid, and Ritt Momney. It is his disposition that music is meant to be shared and experienced, no matter the originator or the genre.
Malhotra has worked on a variety of projects- spanning recital repertoire for students of the Greenwood School of Music, professional clients such as Masa&Boz, and even faculty such as Dr. Andre Chiang of UNLV.
Behind the Music of Rishi Malhotra
In Malhotra's words, as a composer and vocalist, he embraces the unique opportunity to collaborate with individuals in bringing their stories to the stage. His core aspiration lies in crafting music that deeply resonates with listeners. Malhotra strives to maintain a delicate balance, ensuring his compositions are both sonically captivating and accessible to a wide audience. Central to his philosophy is the belief that music serves as a catalyst for emotion and dialogue.
Throughout his various projects, he has consistently succeeded in achieving this aim and remains committed to doing so in future endeavors. While some may perceive his music as simplistic or divergent from traditional compositional norms in terms of theoretical intricacy, Malhotra's approach is deeply rooted in humanism. He contends that complexity naturally arises from the pursuit of conveying profound ideals.
Ultimately, his ultimate goal is to share the joy of music-making with others.
Educational Journey
Master Science of Data Analytics
Western Governor's University (Millcreek, Utah)
2023- 2024
Bachelor of Arts in Musical Composition and Theory
Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
Studied Composition under Dr. Igor Karača
2020-2024
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
Studied Voice under Steve Sanders
2020-2023
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
2020-2023
Projects and Performing
National Flute Association (NFA) 2024
Malhotra was commissioned to write for the National Flute Association's (NFA) LGBTQIA+ Flute choir led by Dr. Vincenzo Volpe. He was also invited to the convention as a guest composer for the premiere of his work- "could you stay".
"could you stay" is an eight minute work for mixed flute ensemble that tackles the notion of learning to come to terms with losing a relationship in one's life. People come and go for many reasons within our lives, but it does not make it any easier. This piece tackles that through the lens of a queer person coming to terms with their own self and how it may affect the relationships around them.
Noah Poole's Graduate Recital
Noah Pool is one of Malhotra's active collaborators. They are a talented performer and current adjunct faculty member of Oklahoma State University. They specialize in flute and performance practice with electronics. As part of their collaboration with Malhotra, they premiered "if i dreamed to love them.
Through a combination of voice recordings from colleagues, layered synths, and flute, this piece strings together a soundscape that takes the audience through a journey through the lens of a person struggling to confide in their loved ones.
Commercial Project: PR3's Standard
The PR3 REUSE was a wonderful project in collaboration with Masa&Boz and animator Mickey Stepanskiy in helping launch the RESOLVE product~ PR3 standards, to the general public. PR3’s mission is to enable and accelerate the alignment and scaling of reuse systems around the world. Sustainability in today's global world is so important, and everyone must do their part to stay accountable!
Love in The Dark (A Senior Recital)
Malhotra performed his senior voice recital on April 20th in the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. It was year long project where Malhotra worked to capture pieces of repertoire that not only traversed languages (German, French, and Hindi), but also musical styles.
He performed 4 of his own works within the program- premiering "Love in The Dark" (Piano and Voice), premiering "What My Heart Longs for" (in collaboration with Megan Barth Argo), performing "She Said..." (From Forgotten Days, in collaboration with Megan Barth Argo), and performing "One Day" (Voice and Piano).
Forgotten Days (A Song Cycle)
Forgotten Days is a song cycle comissioned and written for faculty member Dr. Andre Chiang of UNLV. This short song cycle for solo male follows the story of a heartbroken young man who revisits the past events of his life on the night of his 30th birthday. He recounts meeting the love of his life, the heartbreak he experiences, and the turmoil that ensures afterwards. The song cycle is written for Voice and Piano and is to be premiered partly on Dr. Chiang's new works album.
