A Visit with Bob Swan

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published July 22, 2025 at 7:14 PM EDT

Bob Swan recently stopped by Foley's afternoon show to discuss this year's offerings in White Lake Chamber Music Festival—and, as always, fun has had by all. You can listen to the conversation here...

Bob Swan—violist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1972-2008—has, since his retirement from the orchestra been a vital part of the musical life in the West Michigan area he now calls home, including as a driving force behind the White Lake Chamber Music Festival for most of its 16 year history. Foley recently invited Bob into the studio to talk about this year's White Lake Chamber Music Festival, which runs through July 26.

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

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