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
Member of the New Works Collective
Opera Theatre’s New Works Collective is a disruption of the traditional commissioning model: it gives decision-making power to the community through a collective of St. Louis residents.
Darwin’s music premieres with the Interlochen Philharmonic Orchestra
An electrifying evening of orchestral color and global inspiration as the Interlochen Philharmonic takes the stage under the baton of Darwin Aquino.
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.