Paolo Debuque (he/him) is a Filipino- and Chinese-American conductor based in Minneapolis, MN noted for his innovative programming and commitment to grassroots, community-centered art. This year he will serve as conductor of St. Olaf’s Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir and begin pursuing his DMA at the University of Minnesota with Matthew Mehaffey.

Passionate about the advancement of Asian-American voices, Paolo is the Founding Artistic Director of A Thousand Tongues, an arts organization dedicated to uplifting Asian-American experiences through music and stories. Past and upcoming engagements include a weekend residency at Luther College and a choral program presented in collaboration with the Minnesota Chorale.

A proud citizen of the Twin Cities’ vibrant choral scene, Paolo is Artistic Director of Caritas Vocal Ensemble, an ensemble singer with Border Crossing, and section leader, board member, and guest conductor with the Minnesota Chorale.

Paolo studied music at Swarthmore College and earned the MM in  Conducting (Choral) at the University of Michigan with Jerry Blackstone. He has also studied with Simon Carrington, Victor Yampolsky, and Dale Warland.