Patrick Cornelius

Over the course of 25 years in New York City, Grammy award-winning saxophonist Patrick Cornelius has cultivated a substantial body of work as a composer and bandleader, and performed his original music in some of the world’s top jazz venues. Hailed as “self-as- sured” and “resourceful” by The New York Times, “Elegant” and “Extraordinary” by DownBeat Magazine (in whose annual Critics Poll he has been listed among the “Rising Stars” multiple times), and “Bold and Gifted,” by All About Jazz, Cornelius’ discography of ten albums as a leader or co-leader features established veterans (like Jeff Ballard, Ben Allison, and Frank Kimbrough) and well as rising stars (including Gerald Clayton, Aaron Parks, Kendrick Scott, and Miles Okazaki).

Cornelius has earned an array of composer awards and grants, including four consecutive ASCAP “Young Composer Awards,” (now Herb Alpert Award) and two Chamber Music America “New Jazz Works” commissions (in 2012 and 2023). He has been commissioned to compose and arrange original music for ensembles across the globe.

Cornelius’ 10th and latest album, “Book Of Secrets” (Posi-Tone, 2023) features fellow Posi-Tone recording artists Art Hirahara (piano) and Behn Gillece (vibraphone), as well as veterans Peter Slavov (bass) and Vinnie Sperrazza (drums). “Book of Secrets” is a programmatic concept album that tells a narrative story of adventure and self-discovery.

An active music pedagogue, Patrick (who received a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music, a Masters Degree from The Manhattan School of Music, and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School), has appeared as visiting artist or guest lecturer at international institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, The Royal Academy of Music, Birmingham Conservatoire, St. Mary’s University in Texas, The University of North Carolina, Hunter College in NYC, and Snow College in Utah. He currently serves on the music faculty of The United Nations International School in New York City and lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.