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.


Message from Jonathan Ong

“Having worked alongside Peter Slowik at Credo over the past few seasons, I have been deeply inspired by the dedication of the entire Credo family to the musical and spiritual growth of our students. I see Credo as a vital Christian ministry that nurtures generations of young musicians, and I am honored to help carry forward Peter’s vision and legacy.”

- Jonathan Ong, Credo Artistic Director

2026 National Festival & Quartet Fellowship Highlights

The 2026 Credo National Festival & Quartet Fellowship took place at Oberlin Conservatory from June 27 - July 11, 2026. We had a powerful time full of chamber music, outstanding faculty, and joyful service - all the special things that align with the Credo vision of Developing the Gift, Acknowledging the Source, and Responding with Service! At the conclusion of the festival our 9 Quartet Fellows embarked on a week-long tour to Goshen, IN. During this time they connected with & performed for community members at various locations including the Rieth Recital Hall, The Admiral at the Lake & Lawndale Christian Health Center. We’re grateful for everyone’s involvement and support, both near & far, for making this past summer possible for our students!

Our stellar Credo Faculty included:

  • Anne Martindale Williams (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

  • Peter Slowik (Credo Founder & Oberlin Conservatory)

  • Bryan Dumm (The Cleveland Orchestra)

  • Milan Vitek (Oberlin Conservatory)

  • Kangwon Lee Kim (Madison Bach Musicians)

  • Jonathan Ong (Credo Artistic Director, Verona Quartet & Oberlin Conservatory)

  • Holly Jenkins (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra)*

  • Thomas Lee Cooper (Soloist & Tristan Trio)*

  • DJ Cheek (Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra) 

  • Nicholas Tavani (Aeolus Quartet)

  • Daniel Orsen (St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)*

  • Ann Yu (Apollo’s Fire & Poiema Trio) *

  • Joshua Zajac (Newly appointed Credo Board Member)*

*Credo Alumni

Guest Artists:

Our Guest Artist Masterclasses were taught by Joel Link (Concertmaster of The Cleveland Orchestra, Dover Quartet & Curtis), Peter Salaff (Cleveland Quartet) & the Verona Quartet (Quartet in Residence at Oberlin Conservatory). After working with our chamber groups, the Verona Quartet filled the Kulas Recital Hall with their lively Guest Artist Concert. You can watch a clip of their performance here

Service Partners:

It’s always a joy to continue working with our long standing service partners and also connect with new ones! Our students appreciated the opportunity to meet community members and serve alongside each other:

Develop the gift. Acknowledge the source. Respond with service.