ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – The Dakota Prairie Youth Orchestra will present their first ever concert on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. in Krikac Auditorium on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. The concert is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Stanichar, NSU Assistant Professor, DPYO will perform Kabalevsky’s “Dance and Toccatina, Orange Blossom Special,” and a charming arrangement of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Also on the program is “Escapade for Strings” by Aberdeen composer, John Cacavas. The orchestra will conclude with holiday favorites for the audience to sing along. Northern’s Beginning Violin Class will open the concert with popular tunes as well.

In its inaugural season, DPYO is an auditioned group that consists of some of the most talented string students in middle school and high school from the surrounding area. Rehearsals are held at Northern on Saturday mornings leading up to concerts in December and April. For audition and membership information, please contact the Dakota Prairie Youth Orchestra at 605-626-2591 or dpyo@northern.edu.