Jonathan with Yo Yo Ma

Jonathan Hartgraves, Cellist Jonathan is a 13 year old, 8th. grader at Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo, Washington. In 1998 he will be going to Kamiak High School. Jonathan has been a cellist since he picked up the instrument for the first time, at age 9. Jonathan participates in his school orchestra and is a member of the prestigious Everett Youth Symphony, conducted by Dr. Parke Burgess. He studies cello under the direction and guidance of Rajan Krishnaswami-- a graduate of the Juilliard School and now an "artist in residence" at the University of Washington.

Yo-Yo Ma, Mistislav Rostropovich, Janos Starker, William Pleeth, Han-Na Chang, Maria Kliegel, Desmond Hoebig, and Carter Brey, just to name a few, have all written to Jonathan Hartgraves over the last few months. Why? Because they are, not only great cellists, but great people. The great cellists know the road to greatness is a rough road, and thus they are ever willing to lend a hand, and offer a word of encouragement to a young, promising talent.

Other than the cello(which takes up a good portion of his time), Jonathan enjoys surfing the Internet, reading and collecting Uncanny X-Men comics, and activities with the Boy Scouts of America.

Some of his favorite links are:

Jonathan at age 9 his first week at the cello

Jonathan with his teacher Rajan Krishnaswami

Jonathan with his friend and cello coach Chip Bergeron