Newly appointed Second horn of the Louisville Orchestra, Chicagoland native Amy Krueger has been a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Louisiana Philharmonic, and recently served as principal horn with the Peoria and Rockford Symphony Orchestras. In addition to the LO, she is third horn with the Des Moines Metro Opera. As an active freelancer, she has played with groups such as the Chicago Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and regional orchestras around the Midwest. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Meteorology and Spanish from Ball State University, where she studied horn with the late Dr. Fred Ehnes, and a Master of Music degree from Rutgers University, studying with Dr. Douglas Lundeen. She has also studied under Dale Clevenger, Michael Mulcahy, and James Smelser. When not performing, Amy can be found listening to audiobooks, knitting, baking and spending time with her fiancée, Dave, and their dog, Leeloo.

What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?

I love the variety of programming!

In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?

The Creators Corps provides a place for composers to focus on composing, which is incredibly unique in today's industry. The LO is bringing new music into the city and creating a destination for artists. In addition to going into the schools and the touring, I believe this is the greatest impact we can have!

What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?  

I love the big composers like Mahler, Strauss, and Shostakovich. Their music resonates deeply with me, and they write the best horn lines!

Who is your favorite composer or musician?

Mahler

What are some things that inspire you as a musician?

I love making connections with people - on stage with colleagues, and off stage with patrons and students. Performance is all about that connection for me, and creating something beautiful out of all the various parts of an orchestra.

What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?  

I went to school for Meteorology, and grew up wanting to be a storm chaser.

What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?

Knitting, baking, reading

How do you stay connected with the community outside of your performances?  

I'm still new to the area, so I'm looking for ways to get involved. Who has a knitting circle for me to join?

Favorite orchestral work?

It's a tossup depending on my mood: Mahler 2, Strauss's Ein Heldenleben, or Shostakovich 10.

What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?

I'm working through a re-read of the Stormlight Archive audiobooks in preparation for the new book in December!