Ben Cornavaca is a versatile percussionist equally deft in orchestral, chamber, and solo settings. He joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra in 2025 as Associate Principal Percussionist, following three seasons as a fellow with the New World Symphony under Stéphane Denève. Ben has appeared as a soloist with New World Symphony and Ensemble Intercontemporain, and has presented recitals across the United States. He has also performed with leading ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Kansas City Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and others.

Contemporary music is central to Ben’s artistic identity. He has premiered works by composers such as Kaija Saariaho, Anna Clyne, Tan Dun, Gabriela Ortiz, Vasco Mendonça, and Jack Frerer. His recent solo project featured electro-acoustic works paired with custom video design by Emmy-nominated artist Michael Matamoros. Ben’s other solo and chamber performances often feature the music of Schuller, Xenakis, and Jacob Druckman.

Originally from East Brunswick, NJ, Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School, where he participated in the Juilliard/Columbia exchange program. He then earned his graduate degree from the Colburn School in Los Angeles. During this time, he spent summers as a fellow at Tanglewood Music Center and Music Academy of the West. His principal teachers include Daniel Druckman, Ted Atkatz, and Pablo Rieppi.