Madeline Island Chamber Music Announces Expanded 2026 Summer Program; Applications Close February 15

La Pointe, WI — Madeline Island Chamber Music (MICM), the internationally recognized summer chamber music program set on the shores of Lake Superior, announces its expanded 2026 season and invites applications from advanced high school and college-aged musicians. The final application deadline is February 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time.

For 2026, MICM expands to a six-week summer season, offering musicians the option to attend two distinct three-week sessions or a full six-week immersive experience. Half Session I focuses on string chamber music, while Half Session II includes both string and piano chamber music, creating expanded opportunities for chamber music collaboration across instruments.

The 2026 faculty brings together an exceptional roster of internationally acclaimed chamber musicians and pedagogues, including the Pacifica Quartet, American String Quartet, violinist Mimi Zweig, violist Atar Arad, cellist, Christopher Costanza, and pianist Wendy Chen, alongside a rotating roster of renowned quartets and individual artists in residence. Quartet residencies rotate weekly, while additional faculty join the program in two-week residencies, offering students a wide range of artistic perspectives and mentorship throughout the summer.

Madeline Island Chamber Music is open to advanced high school and college-enrolled musicians (ages 14 through college) and is designed for students seeking deep immersion in chamber music within a close-knit, collaborative environment. Musicians may apply either as pre-formed chamber groups or as individual applicants seeking to be thoughtfully matched with collaborators during the session. Participants receive daily coachings, two hours of dedicated rehearsal time, weekly private lessons, and perform regularly in both campus and community-integrated concert settings.

“Students who have attended Madeline Island Chamber Music consider it one of the most formative and memorable experiences of their lives,” said Artistic Director, Jonathan Swartz. “Our additions for 2026 will enable more students to experience our amazing program with world-class faculty at a retreat-like setting.”

Set within Madeline Island’s intimate campus and vibrant summer arts culture, MICM offers a uniquely focused environment where emerging musicians live, rehearse, and perform together—fostering musical growth, independence, and lasting artistic relationships.

Applications for the 2026 season are now open. Learn more and apply at micm.org/apply.

For press inquiries, contact micm@macphail.org.