Benjamin Cornelius-Bates

Benjamin grew up in Alaska, but did not study the organ until he attended the University of Montana, Missoula.  There he studied with Dr. Nancy Cooper and earned a B.M. in Organ Performance.  After moving to Vancouver, British Columbia with his wife, Ben studied organ with Rachel Alflatt and composition with her husband Denis Bédard.  Ben earned his M.M. in Sacred Music from Duquesne University in 2009 and an Artist's Diploma in 2011 studying under Dr. Ann Labounsky.  He is currently at Duquesne University as an adjunct professor in Sacred Music as well as organist and Director of Music Ministries at St. Paul of the Cross Monastery, Composer in Residence at First Lutheran Church, an adjunct music professor at Community College of Allegheny County and a founding member of the Cinquefoil Ensemble in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.