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
World Premiere: Subito Papillo
After stepping onto the darkened stage of the Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, Alla Voskoboynikova posed what could have been a difficult question to Darwin Aquino: Why is the music of Latin America so enjoyable?…
Darwin talks about Latinx music with the Missouri Symphony
Episode 2 of MOSY Motifs is LIVE! In this episode, Dr. Ashley Pribyl interviews current St. Louis resident, Dominican Darwin Aquino, Conductor & Composer. Join them as they discuss the history of classical music on the island of Hispaniola, the important impact of...
Darwin conducts new recordings of contemporary music with Chamber Project St. Louis
This playlist features recordings from the 20-21 Young Composers Competition at the Community Music School of Webster University. All recordings were done by the Ensemble in Residence, Chamber Project St. Louis, conducted by Darwin Aquino.
Sounds of Cheer postcard, Happy New 2021!
On this New Year's holidays enjoy a Sounds of Cheer postcard from the WashU Symphony Orchestra and Conductor-in-Residence Darwin Aquino. The Ballet from Debussy's Petite Suite has served as the opening music to our postcards for this series but now you get to hear...
New Debussy release with the ADCA Symphony Orchestra in New York
ADCA Symphony Orchestra performing “Petite Suite Whole – I. En Bateau, II. Cortege, III. Menuet, & IV. Ballet” by Claude Debussy (1862-1918).
Virtual Presentation about Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (In Spanish)
Maestro Darwin Aquino takes us to know the compositions of the great genius in his last creative stage.