Daniel Taborda (b. 1990) is a Colombian composer and conductor whose music bridges the vibrant rhythmic and cultural heritage of Latin America with the expressive language of contemporary classical music. His catalog spans orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber, solo, and electroacoustic works, characterized by rhythmic vitality, bold orchestration, and narrative depth.

His compositions have been performed internationally across Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia, with key works including “Symphony No. 1” (Symphony Orchestra), “Fansaxo” (wind ensemble with saxophone solo), “Los Charcos” (saxophone quartet), “Silent Torment” (chamber ensemble), “Subconsciousness” (Symphony Orchestra) and “Canto de un Pueblo” (Saxophone Quartet Solo and Wind Ensemble).

Daniel earned his Bachelor’s in Music Composition at Universidad EAFIT in Medellín under Italian composer Marco Alunno, receiving early recognition through awards such as Antioquia Vive la Música (2009) and the National Composition Prize from Colombia’s Ministry of Culture (2014). He served as music director in Gómez Plata and Urrao, leading ensembles and community music programs, and performed as a saxophonist with the Red de Escuelas de Música de Medellín and Banda Sinfónica Universidad de Antioquia.

He holds dual master’s degrees from Oklahoma City University, where he studied composition with Edward Knight and conducting with Eric Garcia. He served as Composer-in-Residence for the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (2015–2016), adjudicator for state contests, and assistant conductor for university ensembles. His work “Iris” was published in Europe in 2018, and his music has been programmed by ensembles including the Hong Kong Tak Ming Philharmonic Winds, Colombian National Wind Ensemble, ASU Symphony Orchestra and the Orquesta Sinfónica EAFIT.

In 2022, Daniel completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition at Arizona State University, earning first place in ASU’s Composition Competition (2020) under the mentorship of Gabriel Bolaños, Jody Rockmaker, and Alex Temple. He further pursued postgraduate studies in conducting under Piotr Borkowski at Akademia Sztuki w Szczecinie (Poland), earning his diploma in 2023.

Daniel’s educational works, presented at festivals in Brazil and the United States, are now consolidated under his artistic brand, Daniel Taborda Composer, reflecting his commitment to creating accessible, high-quality repertoire for developing musicians, while integrating original compositions, publishing, and educational resources.

He served as Composer-in-Residence and Conductor at Wycombe Abbey International School (2023–2024) and currently works as Conductor at Nansha College Preparatory Academy, directing ensembles, developing student-centered repertoire, and contributing to the school’s artistic programming.

Daniel continues to seek collaborations with ensembles, conductors, performers, and educational programs worldwide, driven by a commitment to cultural storytelling, rhythmic energy, and musical versatility across genres and audiences.