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
Darwin’s recent accomplishments in Dominican Newspaper (in Spanish)
The Dominican conductor, composer and violinist has forged his career by fusing the African and Hispanic roots of the Caribbean with his classical training…
From the Conductor’s Podium of the New Works Collective
It has been an absolute pleasure and rewarding experience to be part of OTSL’s New Works Collective (NWC). I have had the privilege of witnessing the development of this unique commissioning project since day one and how it is making such a big impact, at all levels, in the world of new opera…
World premiere of latest composition in Philharmonie Berlin
Concert 1 & 2 – Instituto Cervantes (Oct. 17 2024) & Resonanzraum (Nov. 9 2024) – Hamburg, Germany / Concert 3 – Philharmonie Berlin (Nov. 13 2024) – Germany
Darwin’s “Perfume” premieres in New Jersey to celebrate Latin Music
This program features works by contemporary composers Guido López Gavilán (Cuba), Miguel Astor (Venezuela), Darwin Aquino (Dominican Republic), Johanny Navarro and Ernesto Cordero (Puerto Rico), along with songs from Brazil, Haiti, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.
Radio talk about “A Musical Oddysey”
STL Philharmonic Artistic and Music Director Darwin Aquino and Clarion Brass Quintet Trumpet Mary Weber preview a special journey with a mix of the greatest music ever performed in “A Musical Odyssey”, August 2, 2024.
Concert with Eric Silberger & National Orchestra of Panama
XVIII Festival Internacional Alfredo de Saint Malo 2024