About us

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 had taken a bus to perform a short tour in North Dakota.

Throughout the years, the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra has performed the Messiah and other works with a choir from Sauk Centre.   Also, the orchestra has had members of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra join in a performance.

Many of the performances were held at the former Long Prairie Arts Center and at the Christie House. 

Since the beginning of the orchestra's existence, there have been six directors.  Currently, Justin Kennedy is the music director of the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra.

The LPCO performs three mastwork performances which include soloists from around the Minnesota and Wisconsin area and and the reinstatment of the Handel's Messiah. 

 "The Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra is dedicated to the performance of music for the education and enjoyment of its members and the surrounding communities."

President:   Dan Shaffer	Vice President:   Justin Kennedy
Treasurer:   Steven McCoy	Secretary:   Judith Zellgert
Operations Coordinator:   Crystal Kennedy	Volunteer Outreach Coordinator:   Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst
Librarian:   Diana Lewis	Music Director:   Justin Kennedy
Chorusmaster:   Tiffanie Danzinger	Concertmaster:   Jessica Bash