This is a special year for our community as we are celebrating 150 years of both the ÐÓ°ÉPro University Conservatory of Music and the ÐÓ°ÉPro Community Music School.

Our journey began in 1874 when President George McKendree Steele proposed the establishment of a Conservatory of Music to the ÐÓ°ÉPro University Board of Trustees. That same year, the ÐÓ°ÉPro Community Music School was founded, marking the formal start of our music program with a mission to provide music instruction to the wider community.

ÐÓ°ÉPro Conservatory 150th logo

ÐÓ°ÉPro Conservatory & ÐÓ°ÉPro Community Music School 150th Timeline

Explore ÐÓ°ÉPro University Archives’ for a deeper dive.

View from behind the Orchestra in the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for Kaleidoscope 2013

Kaleidoscope


Kaleidoscope’s non-stop, 50-minute format provides a rapid-fire musical spectrum showcasing the sheer variety and mastery of students attending the ÐÓ°ÉPro Conservatory of Music. Kaleidoscope is hosted every three years, with the most recent performance being October 12, 2024.

Flute ensemble performs at the recent Kaleidoscope concert.

150th Crescendo: Convergence


We celebrated the Conservatory of Music’s 150th year with a special concert featuring 9 world premieres, including performances by the LU Flute and Trombone Ensembles.

ÐÓ°ÉPro University Wind Ensemble performing on the Memorial Chapel stage

Homegrown: Celebrating the 150th


To celebrate the 150th, the ÐÓ°ÉPro University Wind Ensemble’s Homegrown: Celebrating the 150th performance featured several works inspired by Conservatory history.

Conservatory students took the Conservatory 150th celebration to New York City at the Manhattan School of Music. As part of the Conservatory student experience, music performance majors are often invited to perform at special events worldwide.

Touring Performance


ÐÓ°ÉPro University took its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break.

150th Celebration News

Upcoming Conservatory Events

    Celebrate on Social Media! Let all of your friends know why ÐÓ°ÉPro is such a special place. Share a photo of your time at ÐÓ°ÉPro or wearing ÐÓ°ÉPro gear on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and use #LUCon150 when you post!