Musical Theatre Performer
Jeanine Tesori is the most prolific and honored female theatrical composer in history, whose Tony Award-winning musicals and groundbreaking operatic works have redefined the landscape of American musical drama.
Defining moments and milestones
Beginning her professional life as a substitute assistant conductor for *Gypsy* in 1989, Tesori quickly established herself as an indispensable presence in theatrical music, serving as dance arranger and associate conductor for *The Secret Garden* on Broadway in 1991. Her compositional voice crystallized with *Violet* (1997), an Off-Broadway triumph that led to a succession of acclaimed Broadway musicals—*Thoroughly Modern Millie*, *Caroline, or Change*, and *Shrek the Musical*—each expanding her reputation as a composer of uncommon emotional intelligence and harmonic sophistication. The 2015 Tony Award for Best Original Score for *Fun Home*, shared with librettist Lisa Kron, cemented her legacy as the most honored female theatrical composer in history, while her recent operatic works *Grounded* and *Blue* have positioned her as a transformative voice in contemporary opera, culminating in her historic 2024–25 season opening at the Metropolitan Opera.
Tony Award for Best Original Score for *Fun Home* (2015), shared with Lisa Kron, making them the first female writing team to win this award; first woman in the Metropolitan Opera's 139-year history to open a season with her opera *Grounded* (2024–25)
Barnard College of Columbia University (BA, Music, 1983); Paul D. Schreiber High School, Port Washington, New York
Recordings featuring Jeanine Tesori in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.