DARWIN AQUINO
CONDUCTOR/COMPOSER
BIOGRAPHY
Known for his charismatic energy and musical versatility, Dominican conductor and composer Darwin Aquino has built a fast-rising career across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Recognized for his smart and stylish conducting, Aquino regularly leads critically acclaimed performances of symphonic music, opera, operetta, ballet, new music, choral works, and Latin American music worldwide.
Maestro Aquino was recently appointed Conductor for the New Works Collective with Opera Theater of Saint Louis, after leading its first six world premieres to great success and earning a reputation as a champion of new music. Aquino is in his third season as Artistic & Music Director of the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, where he “…has done yeoman’s work to highlight the contributions of Latin American composers, to the delight of the St. Louis community and beyond” (KDHX), and his sixth season as Conductor-in-Residence for the Washington University Symphony Orchestra.
This season will feature Maestro Aquino’s debut with the National Symphony Orchestra of Panama at the Alfredo de Saint Malo Festival and engagements as a guest conductor with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, the St. Louis Ballet, the World Chess Hall of Fame, and the Chamber Music Society. He will also join Opera Theater of Saint Louis, collaborating on productions of Il barbiere di Siviglia, Giulio Cesare, and Center Stage.
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CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"...perfection..." – Broadway World – St. Louis
New Works Collective (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) – “Conductor Darwin Aquino draws perfection from his orchestra. Magically they sound much larger”.
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"...exceptional performances..." – KDHX
New Works Collective (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis) – “Darwin Aquino led the orchestra in exceptional performances of three very different scores”.
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"...three encores..." – Allgemeine Zeitung
Neujahrskonzert (New Years Concert) – “The young Dominican conductor Darwin Aquino led the orchestra this time and made great work, giving the orchestra three encores as a result.”
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"...led a lively, fast-paced reading..." – South Florida Classical Review
Il Matrimonio Segreto (Spanish Translation) – “Darwin Aquino, a former FGO Assistant Conductor, led a lively, fast-paced reading of Cimarosa’s elegant work. Benedetta Orsi and Aquino’s Spanish libretto works remarkably well with Cimarosa’s bubbly score. Many Spanish-speaking members of the audience found the adaptation amusing and entertaining”.
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"...a fine feel for the nuances of the bel canto style..." – St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Norma – “Conductor Darwin Aquino had the orchestra sounding great from the first measures of the overture and generally maintained a good balance between stage and pit. He has a fine feel for the nuances of the bel canto style, and knows to breathe with the singers”.
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"An excellent support and professional sound..." - The Miami Herald
L’Etoile – “An excellent support and professional sound from the symphony orchestra, conducted by Darwin Aquino.”
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"...rousing and dominant..." - Ladue News, St. Louis
Il trovatore – “Aquino’s conducting was rousing and dominant, carrying Verdi’s rich score in the capable hands of the Winter Opera orchestra”... "Bizet’s music is captivating and enthralling, especially when performed as lushly as it was in Winter Opera’s presentation under the steady influence and keen ear of conductor Darwin Aquino, who kept the orchestra on a high level of performance throughout."
REPRESENTATIVES
Agent | Classical & Artist Promotion
Vice President | Classical & Creatives
Operations & Finance Manager