About Darwin
Known for his charismatic energy, his strong artistic convictions, and musical versatility, Dominican American composer, conductor, and violinist Darwin Aquino is making an impact worldwide leading acclaimed performances of new works, symphonic music, opera, and ballet, with a particular focus on the Latin American repertoire.
He is currently in his fifth season as Artistic & Music Director of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has worked extensively to amplify the recognition of the ensemble as one of the most noted performing arts organizations in the Midwest. Recent engagements include conducting debuts with Opera Southwest in New Mexico (Boccherini’s Clementina / U.S. premiere), the National Symphony Orchestra of Panama, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), and the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Recently, Darwin was selected as the new Head of Music for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he has also served as Conductor for the New Works Collective since its inception in 2023, leading its first nine world premieres to great success and earning a reputation as a champion of new music.
Media
New Works Collective operas now free on-demand
Opera Theater of Saint Louis (OTSL) has launched a free on-demand streaming of all 2025 New Works Collective world premieres, presented in February 2025 and conducted by Darwin Aquino. Please register on OTSL's website to receive the link. The on-demand access will be...
Stephen Porter performs Darwin’s piano music
Acclaimed pianist Stephen Porter performs Subito Piano (2015) by Darwin Aquino in a recital organized by the Artist Presentation Society of St. Louis.
Christmas in Harmony | A Dominican Lyric Night
Featuring Dominican Artists: Soprano Natalie Peña-Comas and Conductor Darwin Aquino | December 7th, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Darwin discusses Mahler Symphony 1 on radio
Darwin Aquino and Kathy Lawton Brown talk about launching a year-round celebration for the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra’s 165th anniversary with “It’s a Celebration” on October 17.
A new composition to celebrate the music of The Americas
Experience the rich musical tapestry of the Americas, where sounds from across the globe converge to create vibrant and distinctive regional styles. This program features a new commissioned string trio by Darwin Aquino and music by Miguel del Águila, Agustín Lara, Florence Price, and others—celebrating the diverse cultural voices of North, Central, and South America.
Opera Clementina, conducted by Darwin, finalist at 2025 International Opera Awards
Luigi Boccherini’s Dona Clementina, produced in April by Opera Southwest in Alburquerque, New Mexico, is a finalist for the 2025 International Opera Awards in the category of “Rediscovered Work”! The company presented the USA premiere of piece, sang in its original...