Jacob Benda

Jacob Benda is an Adjunct Professor in the Music Department at the University of Saint Thomas, serving as the Organ Area Professor and Director of Music, Liturgy & Sacred Arts at the Chapel of Saint Thomas Aquinas. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Organ Performance from Louisiana State University. His expertise spans organ performance, liturgical music, and sacred arts, with a focus on revitalizing the works of 20th-century composer Clarence Mader. Benda is an active recitalist, lecturer, and organ consultant, performing globally and collaborating with renowned groups like the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and the Quatuor International de Saxophones.

His research emphasizes historical performance practices and new music, including premieres of compositions by Pamela Decker and James Sclater. Benda’s landmark recording Music at Midnight was praised for its revival of Mader’s organ music. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Ruth and Clarence Mader Memorial Scholarship Fund and previously led the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Benda teaches organ and harpsichord performance courses, including GMUS 570/575 and MUSP 135/235, focusing on advanced techniques and elective studies. He also instructs THEO 224, exploring sacred music’s theological dimensions in Catholic worship.

His 2023 engagements include European tours, solo recitals at cathedrals like the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, and performances with the University of St. Thomas String Orchestra. Benda’s work bridges historical and contemporary music, emphasizing liturgical relevance and pedagogical innovation.