History of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale

Founded in 1982, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale began as a small ensemble of singers who enjoyed performing vocal music.  This diverse group has now grown into an organization of nearly 90 singing voices representing approximately fifty cities in Central Illinois.  From Renaissance to contemporary, art music to folk and pop, and Broadway to jazz, the repertoire of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale continues to encompass a wide variety of styles and delight of its audiences.

Dr. Joseph D. Henry, Professor of Music at Eureka College, has served in the role Artistic Director and Conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale since June, 1994.  The Civic Chorale currently presents two concert series annually; these include An American Family Christmas Holiday concert each December and a themed concert each spring.

Since 1982 the Civic Chorale has performed at two Illinois gubernatorial inaugurations, sang in concert with Michael Crawford at Chicago's United Center, and performed at conventions for both the America Choral Director's Association and the Illinois Music Educators Association.  In addition, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale has collaborated on several occasions with area arts organizations including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, the Peoria Heritage Ensemble, Opera Illinois, Peoria Ballet, and the Bradley Community Chorus.  The Chorale, which has also traveled and performed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will appear this March in collaboration with the Heartland Festival Orchestra’s presentation of the Fauré Requiem.

The PACC organization is governed by a Board of Directors that is dedicated to the Civic Chorale's mission: to develop, create, produce and perform a diverse repertoire of the highest quality presented in the most professional manner for the enjoyment, entertainment, aesthetic enrichment and education of its members, its audiences, and those who live in the communities it serves.