About us
The Berrima Singers
Based in Bowral, the Berrima Singers is widely acknowledged as the foremost performance choir of the region. A significant contributor for more than 50 years to the wonderful arts scene in the Southern Highlands, this highly experienced choir presents up to four concerts each year. The group is equally at home performing works from the sacred repertoire as well as secular, a Cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to more recent commissioned Australian works. Founded initially by Ian Cooper, the choir continued to flourish under the leadership of Ian's wife, Christine Tilley. Recently after Christine's retirement in 2022, the Berrima Singers sought a director who could lead them into a successful future. In early 2023, the choir was thrilled to appoint Dr Carlos Alvarado to this important role.
Dr Carlos Alvarado (Director)
Colombian-born Australian, Carlos, is an accomplished pianist, vocalist, composer and conductor of choirs and orchestras. He obtained his Doctorate of Opera and Symphonic Conducting and his Master of Fine Arts at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under legendary conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky. After conducting professionally in Stuttgart, Moscow and Spain, Carlos returned to Colombia where he directed orchestras and ensembles and taught conducting in major Bogotá universities. Since his arrival in Australia in 2002, Carlos co-founded the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra and has taken part in international choral festivals. He is the current Musical Director of the Manly-Warringah Choir and the Illawarra Choral Society.