Texas’s Laredo Philharmonic Hires New Artistic Director

A Laredo native, conductor Héctor Agüero will step into the role

Héctor Agüero succeeds Brendan Townsend, who passed away in 2020 and served in the role since 2003. 

Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Agüero attended the Laredo Independent School District and is an alumnus of J.W. Nixon High School and the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts.

Earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in conducting at Texas Tech University, Agüero also studied at the University of Houston Moore School of Music with Franz Anton Krager.

His previous roles include leading the Fort Bend Symphony and serving as the director of orchestras at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. 

Additionally, he has conducted the University Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Willamette University and the Sinfonia Orchestra of the Houston Youth Symphony.

In tandem with his new role with the Laredo Philharmonic, he will continue his position as associate professor of music and director of orchestral studies at Iowa’s Drake University.

Agüero has performed with the Laredo Philharmonic before — serving as a guest conductor for its 2022 Christmas concert; and its Peace, Joy and Remembrance Spring Concert held in remembrance of Townsend in April 2023.

“We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Maestro Hector Aguero as our new Artistic Director and Conductor!” the orchestra posted on Facebook. “A native of Laredo, Maestro Héctor Agüero takes immense pride in his roots…Welcome home maestro. We look forward to many wonderful performances together.”

Alongside Agüero’s appointment, the philharmonic also introduced its 2023/24 concert season: “Symphonic Kaleidoscope: Colors of the World’s Music.”