A dynamic and expressive bassoonist, Benjamin Coelho, born in Brazil, is a sought-after musician, teacher, and recording artist performing in many countries on five continents. Currently, he is the principal bassoon with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Voxman Reed Trio. He has been professor of bassoon at the University of Iowa since 1998. Benjamin started his musical studies at the Tatuí Conservatory of Music in Brazil. He came to the U.S.A. to study at Purchase College, where he received his BFA. He received his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music and did additional graduate work at Indiana University.

Benjamin has commissioned, performed, and recorded many works by Latin American, American, and European composers, and has released seven critically acclaimed CDs garnering praise from national and international publications. Benjamin finds great joy and fulfillment as a teacher and pedagogue. During the pandemic, he gave over thirty master classes and lives to students in the United States and Latin America. He has been honored to be on faculty at the Festival de Música de Santa Catarina, Brazil, and has taught at bassoon festivals worldwide. Benjamin has dedicated himself to service. At the University of Iowa, he has served in four different associate director positions and his greatest honor was becoming the interim director of the School of Music during 2018-2019. He is currently serving a three-year term as the vice-president of the International Double Reed Society. Benjamin lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his beloved wife Karen and their wonderful daughters Liliana and Julia.