Artistic Director

Paolo Debuque (he/him) is a Filipino- and Chinese-American conductor recognized for his innovative programming and commitment to grassroots, community-centered art. He is the Founding Artistic Director of A Thousand Tongues, an arts organization dedicated to uplifting Asian-American experiences through music and story. Passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices, Paolo's recent and upcoming projects include a residency at Luther College, guest conducting with the Minnesota Chorale and Resonance Ensemble, and professional singing with the Filipino-American choir Lalo and other ensembles. As an educator, Paolo has served on the choral faculty at St. Olaf College, where he directed the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir and taught conducting and voice. He is also active as an arranger of choral music, with a focus on works by Philippine composers. In 2024, he was selected as one of six fellows in ACDA's International Conductor Exchange Program with the Philippines. Paolo studied music at Swarthmore College, earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan under Jerry Blackstone, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting at the University of Minnesota. He has also studied with Simon Carrington, Victor Yampolsky, Andrew Megill, Rodney Eichenberger, and Dale Warland.