About Darwin
Dominican conductor and composer Darwin Aquino is one of the most internationally active Caribbean musical artists of his generation. Equally accomplished on the podium and as a composer, he has built a career spanning the Americas and Europe, shaped by artistic leadership, keen originality, and a commitment to Latin American culture. His work reflects a synthesis of folkloric traditions and contemporary expression, drawing inspiration from the rhythms, colors, and imagination of the Caribbean.
Aquino currently serves as Head of Music at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music Director of the St. Louis Ballet Orchestra and the Musica Sacra Concert Series at Santo Domingo’s National Cathedral, and Conductor-in-Residence with the Washington University Symphony Orchestra. He served as Artistic and Music Director of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra from 2021 to 2026 and as Music Director of the Gateway Festival Orchestra from 2019 to 2024. Previously, he spent twelve years as Artistic and Music Director of El Sistema Dominican Republic and served as Director of the National Conservatory of Music, advancing orchestral training, artistic development, and community outreach...
Media
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...
The “dazzling” and “spellbinding” This House has its world premiere at OTSL
Renowned composer Ricky Ian Gordon’s latest collaboration with Lynn Nottage opened last Saturday [May 31st.] at Opera Theater of Saint Louis. […] This time Lynn’s daughter, Ruby Aiyo Gerber, joined the ranks as co-librettist. […] (This House was also assistant conducted by OTSL’s Head of Music, Darwin Aquino.)
Appointed as new Head of Music at OTSL
Darwin was selected as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s new Head of Music for the 2025 Festival Season, working alongside world class artists in four operas and the Center Stage concert with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)
Radio talk on Viva Rachmaninoff
St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Darwin Aquino and pianist Brian Woods talk with Kathy Lawton Brown about “Viva Rachmaninoff” (Friday, April 25, 2025). This concert features Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, performed by Woods.
St. Louis Philarmonic Orchestra closes season with Rachmaninoff, other romantic composers
Conducting the philharmonic is artistic and musical director Darwin Aquino. Known for his work as a composer and champion of contemporary music, he currently serves as conductor for the New Works Collective with Opera Theatre of St. Louis.