GET TO KNOW
THE LONG PRAIRIE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Looking for a place to catch orchestral music repertoire? Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra (LPCO) is a nonprofit arts organization of volunteer musicians and inspiring audiences with their concerts since 1974.
Every season the LPCO performs three masterwork concerts often featuring soloists from the Upper Midwest.
We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy free of charge or donate as you can. Join us as a valued member of our orchestra and arts organization!
Get in Touch or use our 'Contact Us' form on the Home page.
JOIN THE LPCO
Do you play an instrument? Join the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra and play with us for our concert season throughout the year. We accept all ages that play an instrument.
We rehearse on Tuesdays at the Long Prairie Secondary School from 7:30 pm to 9 pm.
It's Free to Join, No Audition Necessary.
If you have any questions, contact Carol Duke at cduke@meltel.net.
OUR HISTORY
A Closer Look at the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra
Every orchestra has a great story that paved the way to its establishment. In fact, most stories stem from one person’s childhood passion that eventually evolves into a tangible reality - bringing masterpieces to life through hard work, determination, and persistence.
The Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1974 by two couples, Orv and Reta Dahlen and Lowell and Janet Klukken.
The orchestra's first performance was held at the armory in celebration of our country's Bicentennial. During Orv Dahlen's direction, the orchestra performed a short bus tour in North Dakota. Many of the concerts were held at the former Long Prairie Arts Center and the Christie House Museum. Throughout the years, the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra performed the Messiah and other works with a choir from Sauk Centre. The orchestra also joined members of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in a performance.
There have been seven directors since the beginning and Mark Graf is the current music director of the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra.
The LPCO performs three masterwork concerts each season which include soloists from the Upper Midwest and the reinstatement of Handel's Messiah.
Our concert activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Five Wings Art Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
So whether you’re looking for quality entertainment, or want an excuse to get out of the house, the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra has everything you need to be inspired, uplifted, and dazzled.
OUR MISSION
Engaging the Local Community
After opening its doors to the Long Prairie community in 1974, the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra (LPCO) has truly lived up to its mission to provide engaging programming of orchestral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of its performers and audience. From Russian soundscapes to water songs in music, we strive to provide quality entertainment to our community while collaborating with local talent such as the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Chamber Choir.
The Long Prairie area has a large number of musicians of all ages who love to play music and are thrilled at the chance to play in Long Prairie concerts. We recently added six musicians to a total of nine young musicians on stage.
Opportunities to play orchestral music are limited in the greater region so some of our musicians drive for 2 hours to play with us. We reach out to musicians by advertising to music organizations and teachers and invite young people to our concerts. Occasionally we collaborate with the local high school music groups in Long Prairie such as the secondary school choir.
Not only is the LPCO an important venue for community members to gather and play music, but it is also a vital resource for the mental, physical, emotional wellness, and development of children and students in our schools.
Studies show that music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. Taking music lessons predetermines high academic performance, verbal intelligence, and IQ scores in young children. Students who play music in a group learn teamwork, emotional intelligence, responsibility, and build self-confidence.