Leonardo Pineda stands at the forefront of a new generation of conductor-curators redefining the classical music experience. As Principal Conductor and Artistic Curator of The Orchestra San Antonio (TOSA)—a resident company at the Tobin Center—Leonardo’s selection for this prestigious role followed a series of exceptional guest appearances, where his leadership inspired prolonged standing ovations and unanimous praise.
Leonardo’s official debut as Principal Conductor at the Tobin Center’s H-E-B Hall featured internationally renowned trumpeter Pacho Flores. The performance concluded with a three-minute standing ovation and four curtain calls. Voice of San Antonio praised the evening: “At the helm was conductor Leonardo Pineda. His dynamic and expressive leadership elicited an extraordinary level of nuance and musicality from the ensemble. You could feel the deep connection between the conductor and musicians, and the sense that this was just the beginning of something special.”
As a teaching artist, Leonardo is deeply committed to creating meaningful entry points into classical music. His work centers on innovation in the concert experience, crafting programs and environments that invite new audiences and foster deep engagement. Eric Booth, known as the father of the teaching artist movement writes“Leonardo’s most important contribution is the way he redefines the role of the Music Director as a modern cultural leader—someone who captivates audiences through both artistry and education. He is part of a new generation of conductors who do not see performance and engagement as separate pursuits. In Leonardo’s vision, they are interwoven—and that is what makes him so essential to the future of classical music.”
Leonardo is on the faculty at Bard College, where he serves as part of the artistic team with The Orchestra Now (TŌN). He plays a central role in educational partnerships, including with The All City Orchestra, Filarmónica Joven de Colombia, and The Classical Music Institute. His New York debut with TŌN in 2024 received glowing praise from the artistic staff, who called him “a natural on the podium.”
His work is increasingly recognized on the national stage. In 2025, he made his sold-out Carnegie Hall debut with Ensemble Connect, conducting a world premiere by Carolina Noguera for a program curated by Gabriela Ortiz. He was selected from 250 international applicants for the Carlos Prieto Conducting Fellowship, where he received the Distinction Prize. Renowned composer Joan Tower remarked:“What sets him apart is his rare ability to combine elite-level conducting technique with a visionary approach to programming and audience engagement.”
Leonardo’s expressive clarity and structural command have earned high praise from composers such as Miguel del Águila and Juan Pablo Contreras. Del Águila noted, “He conducted Conga Line in Hell as if he had composed it himself,” while Contreras praised his “impressive control through complex tempo changes in Mariachitlán.”
His early leadership was evident at just 18, when he founded an international music festival in Venezuela. This initiative not only demonstrated his passion for music but also his vision for bringing people together through the arts. In recognition of his cultural contributions, he was named a Distinguished Cultural Ambassador of Táchira state by Governor César Pérez Vivas of Venezuela in 2012. Leonardo remains committed to collaborative leadership and artistic curiosity, shaping his work with purpose, openness, and a deep respect for the traditions and communities that inspire it.
Leonardo is represented globally by pura musica.