Daren Weissfisch
Music Director & Conductor
Daren Weissfisch is a distinguished conductor, oboist, and educator based in Seattle, Washington. He currently serves as the Principal Conductor for the Tacoma Opera and is excited to be the new Music Director of the Lake Union Civic Orchestra beginning in the 2024-2025 season. He is also Conductor for the Seattle Opera Creation Lab and has worked with local orchestras including the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, Harmonia Orchestra, and the Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra.
Daren has held notable positions such as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Sinaloa Esperanza Azteca Symphony Orchestra and Choir, which was an El Sistema based youth orchestra and choir in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. In his seven year tenure, he positively impacted over 300 young musicians through free music education and performance opportunities. Continuing his love for music education, Daren spent the 2023-2024 academic year as interim Band Teacher leading the middle and high school bands at the Lakeside School in Seattle.
Daren earned a second Master’s degree at the University of Washington in orchestral conducting—because one Master's degree in oboe just wasn't enough--and he continues to work towards completing his Doctoral degree there.
Daren is also an accomplished oboist. He has performed with various ensembles in the United States and Mexico, including a significant tenure with the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra. He has been a soloist for works by Mozart, Strauss, and Bach, and subbed for several local orchestras in Seattle including LUCO.
In addition to his professional achievements, Daren enjoys the Pacific Northwest's outdoor activities. He is an avid scuba diver, snowboarder, and when his back is not hurting he enjoys playing basketball and ultimate frisbee. He also has a passion for animal rescue, having balanced his musical career with a dedication to helping dozens of animals find forever homes while living in Mexico.
Daren has held notable positions such as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Sinaloa Esperanza Azteca Symphony Orchestra and Choir, which was an El Sistema based youth orchestra and choir in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. In his seven year tenure, he positively impacted over 300 young musicians through free music education and performance opportunities. Continuing his love for music education, Daren spent the 2023-2024 academic year as interim Band Teacher leading the middle and high school bands at the Lakeside School in Seattle.
Daren earned a second Master’s degree at the University of Washington in orchestral conducting—because one Master's degree in oboe just wasn't enough--and he continues to work towards completing his Doctoral degree there.
Daren is also an accomplished oboist. He has performed with various ensembles in the United States and Mexico, including a significant tenure with the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra. He has been a soloist for works by Mozart, Strauss, and Bach, and subbed for several local orchestras in Seattle including LUCO.
In addition to his professional achievements, Daren enjoys the Pacific Northwest's outdoor activities. He is an avid scuba diver, snowboarder, and when his back is not hurting he enjoys playing basketball and ultimate frisbee. He also has a passion for animal rescue, having balanced his musical career with a dedication to helping dozens of animals find forever homes while living in Mexico.
