COLLABORTIONS
The Kruger Brothers regularly collaborate with inspiring guest artists and outstanding ensembles from around the world. These musical encounters lead to unique concert projects and creative partnerships that bring together different musical traditions, styles, and artistic voices.
At the heart of these collaborations is a shared passion for musical exploration, improvisation, creative exchange, and new sonic landscapes. Each partnership brings its own energy and spirit, creating memorable concert experiences for audiences and musicians alike.
Jonah Horton
Mandolin and bass player Jonah Horton, from the mountains of North Carolina, is considered one of the most exciting young artists in today’s American acoustic and bluegrass scene. Inspired by folk, jazz, bluegrass, and Americana, he has developed a distinctive musical voice that combines virtuosity with a deep passion for improvisation.
The Kruger Brothers have known Jonah Horton since childhood and have followed his musical journey over many years. Today, he regularly tours with the Kruger Brothers and has performed with them throughout the United States, Europe, and Switzerland. He was also part of the special concert project featuring the Swiss Orchestra, Martin Suter, and Stephan Eicher.
For the Kruger Brothers, it is a great joy to have such a young and exceptionally talented musician touring with them and to witness his artistic growth over the years.
In addition to numerous collaborations with renowned artists, Jonah Horton was a founding member of the award-winning progressive bluegrass band The Trailblazers, which received two IBMA Momentum Awards.
Cornelia Laemmli Orth
& the Symphony of the Mountains
Cornelia Laemmli Orth is a Swiss conductor and has served for many years as Music Director of Symphony of the Mountains, a professional orchestra based in Tennessee and Virginia. She is widely recognized for her cross-genre concert projects and for building musical bridges between European classical music and American roots traditions.
The collaboration between Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Symphony of the Mountains, and the Kruger Brothers has developed over many years into a unique artistic partnership. Under her direction, several crossover projects have been created, bringing together orchestral classical music, folk, bluegrass, and Americana in powerful and innovative ways.
A special milestone was Symphony of the Mountains becoming, according to its own description, the first orchestra from Tennessee to tour Europe together with the Kruger Brothers.
Among their notable collaborations is From the Alps to the Appalachians — a symphonic crossover concert project featuring the Kruger Brothers and Symphony of the Mountains under the direction of Cornelia Laemmli Orth.
Cornelia Laemmli Orth is also deeply committed to social and cultural initiatives. Together with the Kruger Brothers, she helped create Paths to Dignity, a work that combines music with social engagement in support of people experiencing homelessness. The world premiere of the work will take place on May 17, 2026.
Kontras Quartet
The Chicago-based Kontras Quartet is internationally recognized for its innovative approach to chamber music and its genre-crossing concert projects. The ensemble has performed at renowned venues including Chicago’s Symphony Center and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., appeared on NBC and PBS, and released several acclaimed albums on the MSR Classics label.
A special musical partnership connects the Kontras Quartet and the Kruger Brothers. Together, they have created crossover projects blending classical chamber music with folk, bluegrass, and Americana. At the center of their collaboration are compositions by Jens Kruger, including Lucid Dreamer, Roan Mountain Suite, and Moonshine Sonata, which have been recorded and performed together throughout the United States and Europe.
A special highlight was their appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman alongside Steve Martin in 2013.
