Cory Tiffin

Principal Clarinet

Joined the orchestra: 2025

Cory Tiffin is an acclaimed clarinetist known for his versatility as an orchestral musician, soloist, and chamber artist. Recently appointed Principal Clarinet of the California Symphony, he has built an impressive career performing with premier ensembles across the country.


Tiffin has served as Principal Clarinet of the Las Vegas Philharmonic since 2011 and previously held principal positions with the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. A sought-after guest musician, he has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, and San Francisco Ballet, among many others. He has appeared at major summer
festivals, including the Grant Park Music Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, and
Mendocino Music Festival.


As a soloist, Tiffin has performed concertos with the Illinois Valley Symphony, Master Sinfonia, and Las Vegas Philharmonic. His chamber music collaborations span a diverse range of ensembles, from contemporary groups like Left Coast Chamber Ensemble and Access Contemporary Music to performances with the Lincoln Trio, and on concert series such as Berkeley Chamber Performances and
Live From WFMT.


His recording credits include a GRAMMY-winning album with the San Francisco Symphony, as well as projects spanning classical, film, and commercial music. Passionate about championing new works, he has premiered numerous pieces and frequently collaborates with contemporary composers.

Tiffin studied at DePaul University under legendary clarinetist Larry Combs, Julie DeRoche, and Wagner Campos. As an educator, he has served on the faculties of DePaul University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and Loyola University Chicago.