Introducing Credo Music’s New Artistic Director: Jonathan Ong
by Mark D. Taylor, Chairman of the Board
October 2026
The Credo Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jonathan Ong has been appointed as Credo’s new Artistic Director. Peter Slowik recommended Ong for this position, as the two of them have worked closely together in Credo for several years.
In a memo to the Board, Slowik gave this ringing endorsement of Jonathan Ong:
“I have been mentoring Jonathan Ong for several years, and he is poised to take over as Artistic Director without missing a beat. Jonathan is a world-class violinist and chamber musician, a caring and clear communicator, and someone whose deep Christian faith is evident in everything he does. I am 100% confident that Jonathan is the right person to lead the Credo Festival forward.”
Jonathan is the first violinist and founding member of the internationally acclaimed Verona Quartet, which is the Quartet-in-Residence at Oberlin College and Conservatory. Ong is also an Assistant Professor of Chamber Music at Oberlin. He has appeared in major venues across Europe, Asia and North America such as Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, and Melbourne Recital Hall.
Slowik has announced that he is leaving Credo to pursue other musical and ministry opportunities. The Credo Board of Directors expresses its deep appreciation to Peter Slowik, who has served as Artistic Director of Credo since its founding in 1999. Slowik is the visionary leader who brought Credo into existence, and he has influenced many hundreds of students who have participated in the Credo summer festivals.
One Credo student wrote, “Credo has been a life-changing couple weeks for me in so many ways. I have developed my skills as a musician and I have also been about to ponder a lot more about what I want to do with music in the future. The counselors and faculty were so amazing and impactful both in musical instruction and mentorship as well as giving wisdom and guidance on how faith and music are so integrated in our lives as Christians. Being at Credo has inspired and motivated me to become a better musician and to learn how I can better serve my community with the gifts and talents that God has given me.”
The Credo Board is looking ahead to build on the foundation that has been laid over the past 25 years. Our mission has not changed: Develop the gift, acknowledge the Source, respond with service. And our 10-year target is to develop the best summer program of chamber music, orchestral music, and choral music, all within a Christian worldview.