"Diego [...] I actually think you should be our mentors [...] you bring many answers because you have fresher perspectives"*

Simon Woods (USA)

President and CEO, League of American Orchestras 

*Said in Public to the full Closing Plenary Session of the League of American Orchestras 2023 Annual Conference. ​​​

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"[Diego] is a strong conductor with a very good baton technique, temperament, musicality, and a great knowledge of the scores he conducts. I might add that he knows all of his scores by memory. [...]I have seen his strong commitment to reach high artistic quality every time he conducts and to making music and art accessible to all communities."

Arthur Fagen

Music Director | Atlanta Opera

Co-Chair of Orchestra Conducting | Jacobs School of Music - Indiana University 

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​“[Diego] is always advocating for ways orchestral institutions can develop stronger connections inside the organization and outside with their communities. I appreciate how Diego equally prioritizes high artistic quality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in his work.”

Sonja Thoms (USA)

Executive Director, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra / Former General Manager and VP of Operations of Nashville Symphony

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"Diego is a fabulous musician, and artistically very thoughtful. In addition, he is also extremely bright and always eager to learn. I am also happy to report that above all he is a wonderful and warm human being, who continues to nurture his curiosity and love of learning. He is quite frankly a sponge!"

Thomas Wilkins

Principal Conductor | The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra

Principal Guest Conductor | The Virginia Symphony

Artistic Partner for Education & External Engagement | Boston Symphony Orchestra

Professor of Orchestral Conducting | Jacobs School of Music (IU)

Music Director Laureate | Omaha Symphony Orchestra 

Golden Baton 2022 | League of American Orchestras

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"...[Diego] has also demonstrated a strong and consistent temperament at the podium; his methods rely on his ability to elicit emotional levels of playing from the ensemble while he maintains a strategic leadership approach and his deep connection with the music..."

Thomas Wieligman (USA)

Former Executive Administrator of Instrumental Ensembles at Jacobs School of Music - Indiana University

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"...Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez’s interests and knowledge extends far beyond his excellent work on the podium. His passion and research into the many forms of performing arts in general will no doubt provide invaluable insight and be a great resource to our field...”

Wilbur Lin

Music Director | The Missouri Symphony

Music Director | Denver Young Artists Orchestra

Associate Conductor | Colorado Symphony​

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“[...]Diego's keenness translated to the orchestra, which responded with energy and gusto. This positive conductor-musician relationship significantly accounted for his concert's vitality and success and spilled over into the responsive, appreciative audience. [...]Diego was an excellent communicator, both in person and through regular, clear email distributions. He shared specific rehearsal plans, a helpful overall concert cycle 'roadmap,' as well as carefully thought-out concert particulars. [...] As a natural teacher, he offered helpful tips to individual musicians, gave ensemble pointers, and raised accountability for flexibility, listening skills, and following the baton. [...] Possibly Diego's best quality is his creativity. During his concert cycle with our orchestra, he contacted and involved some local diversity groups, created a series of musician interviews for social media marketing purposes, and put together a feasible plan for future symphony outreach opportunities." 

Laura Andrews (USA)

Principal 2nd Violin (and 2 times Chairman for Music Director Search) - Columbus Symphony Orchestra

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“I have had the pleasure of working with Diego Barbosa-Vásquez on the preparation and performance of two of my orchestral works. His work with the orchestra is very professional and disciplined, but always leaving room for intuition and creativity in the rehearsal process. He conducts from memory and with a deep love for the music and great respect for the performers and the composer. I am happy to continue to work with him on future projects, and know that my music is in good hands with him."

Daniel Cueto (Peru, Germany, USA)

Composer / Pursuing a Doctor of Music  in  Composition, Indiana University (USA) / Composer in Residence of TheACO (The Americas Chamber Orchestra)

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“…Barbosa-Vasquez received a standing ovation that night; his presence and precision on stage never once betrayed the fact that he had only practiced with the orchestra a handful of times... "

Micaela Ricaforte - Zu News - USA

22 - Jan - 2018