Jonathan Swartz, Artistic Director
Praised by The Strad for his “impeccable playing” and “gorgeously viola-like tone,” violinist Jonathan Swartz enjoys a multi-faceted career. His recent solo CD, Suite Inspiration (Soundset Recordings), received much critical acclaim. John Terauds of Musical Toronto comments, “Swartz sounds as if his bow were strung with threads of silk rather than horsehair,” and calls his performance of Bach’s Chaconne “something to treasure.”
A devoted pedagogue, Swartz serves on the faculties of Arizona State University, the Madeline Island Chamber Music, and the Domaine Forget Academy. He has previously taught at the University of Texas at El Paso, Round Top Festival, Interlochen Arts Camp, Innsbrook Institute, and the Rocky Mountain Summer Conservatory. Sought after as a master clinician, and frequent presenter at the American String Teachers Association National Conferences, his approach to bow technique was featured in a STRINGS magazine article in 2006.
Swartz is the founder and Artistic Director of the Visiting Quartet Residency Program at Arizona State University, a chamber music program that integrates visiting resident artists with a comprehensive chamber music curriculum. He has also been instrumental in shaping the curriculum for the violin program at the Domaine Forget Academy. He presently serves as Artistic Director for Madeline Island Chamber Music, and as President for ASTA-AZ.
Susan T. Chandler, Executive Director
Susan T. Chandler became Executive Director of Madeline Island Chamber Music in October 2017. She is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the organization, working in close collaboration with Madeline Island Chamber Music’s Board of Directors and Artistic Director Jonathan Swartz.
Chandler joins Madeline Island Chamber Music from Arts Midwest, where she served as Vice President. During her long tenure with Arts Midwest, she led strategic planning; oversaw regional, national, and international programs, often closely collaborating with the National Endowment for the Arts and private funders; and successfully raised funds from private and public sources. As a critical member of the leadership team, she worked with the Board of Directors as well as strategized budgets and finance, policy plans, and personnel issues. A native of Wisconsin, Chandler earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano performance from Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin, respectively. She began her professional career at the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra assisting the Orchestra’s 101 professional musicians.
Dale E. Deines, Director of Operations
Dale Deines became the Director of Operations at Madeline Island Chamber Music during its 17th Season in 2002. Before entering college Deines was a Legislative Correspondent for a U. S. Senator. His education at the University of Minnesota included Urban Studies and English. Prior to joining the administrative team at MICM, Deines worked for Arthur Anderson as a systems administrator and as an account executive at Cevette and Company, an Advertising Agency in Minneapolis. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer for MICM and is responsible for budgeting, arranging housing for faculty and staff, student registration and managing part time and seasonal staff. In his sixteen years with MICM, Deines has helped the development of the program by creating efficient operating systems and through his excellent customer relations and management style.
Josh LaGrave, Concert Administrator and Office Assistant
Josh LaGrave is the Concert Administrator and Office Assistant at Madeline Island Chamber Music. In this capacity, he assists with development and communications, auditions and scheduling, concert production, logistics, and summer on-site activities. Josh is also active in the Twin Cities arts scene. He currently works in front of house positions at the Fitzgerald Theater, and has experience in similar positions at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Ted Mann Concert Hall. Josh earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Concordia College, and currently sings as a baritone with the St. Croix Valley Chamber Chorale. As a MPR Network Volunteer, he represents Minnesota Public Radio at events throughout the Twin Cities.
Jonathan Kresha, Director of Campus Operations
Jonathan Kresha’s first association with Madeline Island Chamber Music was as a viola student in 1998 when he graduated high school. He attended another two summers after that while studying viola at Indiana University in Bloomington where he graduated with a degree in viola performance. He has held various positions with MICM over the years beginning as a counselor and continued to add other responsibilities including recording concerts, assisting with house keeping, and stage managing. His current position as Director of Campus Operations includes facilities management and maintenance, supervising the housekeeping and kitchen staff and managing all aspects of concerts from climate control, recording, to stage lighting and setting up concessions. During the school year Jonathan teaches High School Spanish and Middle School Exploratory languages in French, Spanish and German in Duluth, Minnesota. He also performs with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and teaches viola lessons.
