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
Joining Opera Theater’s SL 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. https://opera-stl.org/new-works-collective/new-works-collective-members/
Darwin selected as Music Director candidate with the Missouri Symphony (MOSY)
An Uncommon Enigma July 13 | Missouri Theater Featuring and curated by music director candidate Darwin Aquino, our final masterworks program includes works such Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, Tchaikovsky’s Cappriccio Italien, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations....
Soprano Christine Brewer & Darwin speak about their concert together with Classic 107.3
Kathy Lawton Brown speaks with renowned soprano Christine Brewer and St. Louis Philharmonic conductor Darwin Aquino ahead of “A Night with Christine”... https://classic1073.org/a-night-with-christine/
Darwin’s new 2022 interview “En Pocas Palabras” (in Spanish)
The Music Director of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra admits that he prefers composing to directing, his playlist is full of children’s music and he has a gift for organizing things…
Darwin and the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra celebrate their first season
The magic of music in a season of breathtaking performances.
ASO Music Director search resumes: meet the first candidate Darwin Aquino
Darwin Aquino was the first candidate to showcase his composition and leadership skills in his very first concert with the orchestra on Sept. 18…