Cornelia Streiff, known professionally as Co Streiff, was born on April 5, 1959, in Zürich, Switzerland. She is a musician, saxophonist, and flutist who combines elements of free jazz with African music. After training at the Konservatorium and the Jazzschule St. Gallen, Streiff began her career as a freelance artist in 1983. Her early collaborations included working with Irène Schweizer and performing at the Canaille Festivals. With the alternative circus band Federlos, she toured Nigeria (1988/89) and participated in a township tour in Namibia and Zimbabwe (1991). From 1988 to 1995, she was involved with the Vienna Art Orchestra. Streiff has led multiple ensembles, including a quartet with Russ Johnson. Her notable albums include Twin Lines (2002) with Irène Schweizer and In Circles (2011) with the Co Streiff - Russ Johnson Quartet. She has received numerous awards, including the Werkjahr der Stadt Zürich and the Musikpreis 1996 des Kantons Zürich.
