Jeff Cornelius, Principal Percussion

Jeff Cornelius joined The Santa Fe Symphony during the 2025-2026 season. Prior to his tenure in Santa Fe, he has performed with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, serving as their principal percussionist from 1986 to 2011.

He earned 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. Before his move to New Mexico Symphony, he 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. In New Mexico, he has performed with The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, as well as several chamber venues including Taos Chamber Music Festival, Music at Angel Fire, Chatter. He was featured at Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and later appeared 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.

Currently, Mr. Cornelius teaches a busy private studio. He has three children; 32-year-old twins Ben and Grace, and 22-year-old Daniel.