TICKET PROCEEDS DONATED TO
FOR HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Founded in 2015, Peoria International Choir is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit which embraces the music of the whole world. Our concerts joyously celebrate global cultures and holidays. It is a challenging endeavor, but our members, both fledging and experienced singers, always enjoy the opportunity. We are proud to be an inclusive and welcoming group. All nationalities, religions, races, genders are welcome and appreciated.
Masako Somano Johnson
Choir Founder and Music Director
Ms. Masako Johnson hails from Tokyo, Japan and is a Graduate from Yokohama National University with a BA in Music Education and a Post Graduate from Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama Glasgow, Scotland.
Ms. Johnson is the founder and director of Peoria International Choir since 2015 and her past accomplishments include:
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Singing Recitals in Tokyo and Hokkaido, Japan, Cambridge, England and Peoria, Illinois and Singapore.
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Special concerts for Japanese Royal Family.
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Music Director for CWAJ Women's Choir in Tokyo, Japan and Women's Choir in Peoria, Illinois.
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Leading Soprano for British Embassy Choir in Tokyo, Japan and for Bradley Community Choir for in Peoria, Illinois.
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Piano accompanist for Bradley Community Choir, Bradley Chorale and for Dunlap Middle School and High school esp. for String players.
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Music Director for American Women's Association International Choir and International Festival Chorus in Singapore.
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Winner of the Ye Cronie Opera Award in 1994.
Ms. Johnson is a music advocate and offers private voice and piano lessons for both children and adults.
Patrick Sheeley
Pianist
Patrick Sheeley is a sophomore Music Business major and Pre-Legal Studies minor at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He is an active member of the Bradley Piano Studio under the teaching of Dr. Ji Hyun Kim and Dr. Mark De Zwaan. He is currently a pianist and vocalist for the Bradley Jazz Ensemble led by Dr. Todd Kelly, and he also sings in the Bradley Community Choir and jazz vocal group, Resonant Fusion.
Prior to Bradley and working for PIC, Patrick’s prior piano experience included several accompanist jobs for chorales, churches, recitals, and musical theatre. Some recent credits include playing Keys 1 for Music Theatre Kansas City’s “Beauty and the Beast” in the summer of 2023, as well as Assistant Musical Directing and playing Keys for Music Theatre Kansas City’s “Zombies”. Patrick Sheeley also co-produced two sold-out shows over the summer with his girlfriend, Georgia Barge. Lastly, Patrick recently wrote and produced the music for a short film: "Christmas at Wayne Maynor".
Patrick is very happy to serve as the accompanist for the Peoria International Choir and he is grateful to share such beautiful music with the community.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
