Departures of note

Jonathan Cooper was an American violin maker who built instruments the old-fashioned way, prized for their supple tone, responsiveness, and range. Over a career spanning several decades, his handcrafted violins earned a following among world-class musicians, including Grammy-winning fiddler Mark O'Connor and bluegrass star Alison Krauss, who performed and recorded on his instruments. His work placed him within the modern revival of traditional European lutherie techniques, and his instruments were sought after by both professional players and advanced students. He died in 2026 at the age of 76.