Violin-Maker Jonathan Cooper, 76, Dies; Crafted Instruments for Mark O'Connor and Alison Krauss

Jonathan Cooper, a luthier whose violins were prized for their supple tone and exquisite range, has died at 76. His instruments enabled players to move between classical repertoire and American fiddle traditions, a versatility that made him a favorite among musicians including Mark O'Connor and Alison Krauss. The New York Times reported the death on September 12, 2026. Cooper was counted among the rare fine violin-makers working in the United States, a field in which few artisans achieve recognition at the highest levels of performance. His craftsmanship bridged two musical worlds: the concert hall and the string-band stage. That dual capability distinguished his work from that of makers focused solely on orchestral instruments. Details of his training, workshop, and surviving family were not included in the initial report.