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
Juilliard premiere of Darwin’s composition for Soprano and Viola
https://www.juilliard.edu/event/150576/luis-casal-viola
“Welcome Back” concert in Ohio with David Halen
Recorded live on September 18, 2021. This stream on demand will be available from September 24 - October 23, 2021 via TheaterMania.stream. After purchasing a ticket, you will receive an email with the link. The Ashland Symphony Orchestra is back on stage! We open our...
MRFA invites Darwin to lead closing symphonic concert
The Missouri River Festival of the Arts is the oldest performing arts festival in the state of Missouri and is held in the oldest theater in continuous use west of the Allegheny Mountains. Under the artistic direction of David Halen, Concertmaster of the Saint Louis...
New work “Caribe 102” premiered by the Gateway Festival Orchestra
Caribe 102, for String Orchestra and Percussion, was commissioned by the Fort Zumwalt North High School Orchestra as part of a Diversity/Inclusion/Equity educational project highlighting Latin music and culture. It was premiered in May 2021.
Darwin on MEDICI.TV! with the Caribbean Lyric Festival
Discover the very first edition of the Caribbean Lyric Festival, under the musical direction of Darwin Aquino and Alberto Rincon, recorded in the superb Eduardo Brito National Theater in Santo Domingo on May 9th 2021, in celebration of Europe Day! Organized by the...
Newspaper interview and video commemorating Darwin’s 25 years in music (in Spanish)
Darwin Aquino: “Mi sueño es ser director invitado de la Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional” El director de orquesta del Festival Lírico del Caribe desea colaborar con los maestros Michel Camilo y Juan Luis Guerra Daniela Pujols - Diario Libre, Santo Domingo | 12/05/2021 El...