Dr Carlos Alvarado announced as musical director of the Berrima Singers

The Columbian-born Australian will replace longtime director Christine Tilley, who has led the group for 15 years.

The choir performs a variety of modern, secular and medieval pieces.

"When I heard the Berrima Singers, I just knew I wanted to work with this talented choir," he said.

"I'm looking forward to developing and challenging them further.

"On commencing my role with the Berrima Singers, one of my goals will be to collaborate with local musicians and introduce some works which perhaps haven't previously been performed in the Highlands."

Dr Alvarado co-founded the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra, has participated in international choral festivals, and has conducted professionally in Europe, Asia and South America.

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He is also the musical director of the Manly-Warringah Choir and Illawarra Choral Society, as well as an orchestra and choir conductor for the Ryde Hunters Hill Symphony Orchestra.

He obtained his Doctorate of Opera and Symphonic Conducting at Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky.

"We are delighted that Carlos has accepted this role," said Berrima Singers President Michael Hissey.

"The choir is eager to start work with him on what promises to be an exciting repertoire, commencing with an April concert featuring the 'Requiem' by Gabriel Fauré."

The Berrima Singers rehearses weekly at St Jude's in Bowral, and people can contact Michael Hissey via berrimasingers@gmail.com to join, learn more or become a sponsor.

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