Jeff Cornelius

Principal Percussion

Now principal percussionist with the New Mexico Philharmonic, Jeff Cornelius had played principal percussion with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra since 1986. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and completed his Master of Music degree at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Prior to joining the New Mexico Symphony, Mr. Cornelius played with numerous orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, The Canton Symphony, the Colorado Philharmonic, the Toledo Symphony and an assortment of other summer festivals and ensembles. Since joining the NMSO, Mr. Cornelius has also performed with The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and the Santa Fe Symphony as well as several chamber venues including Taos Chamber Music Festival, Music at Angel Fire and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival where he appears on Stereophile’s recording of Darius Milhaud’s La création du monde. He is the winner of the NMSO first annual concerto competition in 2007. In addition to his duties with the New Mexico Symphony, Mr. Cornelius teaches a private studio of 30 students. Jeff and his wife Emily, who also plays percussion in the NMSO, have three children; 17 year old twins Ben and Grace, and six year old Daniel.