Biography

Chicago native Benjamin Rivera has dedicated his career to the inspiring and wonderfully varied art of ensemble singing. He began as a professional singer, and performed as a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus for over twenty seasons. He also sang with Chicago a cappella, the Grant Park Chorus, and several other ensembles, appearing as a soloist on numerous programs, and singing on dozens of recordings. He gradually transitioned to full-time conducting, and now holds positions in three states. Rivera’s current titles include Chorus Director and regular conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Chorus Master of the Florentine Opera, Choirmaster of the Church of the Ascension, High Holidays Choir Director of Temple Sholom, and Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He recently prepared the Chicago Symphony Chorus for a performance at the Ravinia Festival under the direction of Marin Alsop. Prior to his appointment to the conducting staff of the Chicago Symphony, Rivera was the Associate Conductor of The Washington Chorus, preparing the Chorus for performances with the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. He also works regularly as a guest chorus director, appearing multiple times with the Grant Park Chorus, Chicago a cappella, Music of the Baroque, and others. Especially adept with languages, Rivera frequently coaches German, Spanish, and Latin, among others. He holds degrees in voice and music theory from North Park University and Roosevelt University, respectively, and a DMA in conducting from Northwestern University. Dr. Rivera lives with his family in Beverly, a neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago.