Barbara Benary (born April 6, 1946) is an American composer and ethnomusicologist specializing in Indonesian and Indian music.
In 1976 she co-founded the musical ensemble Gamelan Son of Lion with Philip Corner and Daniel Goode; she also constructed most of the group's instruments. Her major works include two shadow puppet operas: Karna and The Story of Esther. She is married to the woodwind player and instrument designer Steven Silverstein.