About the Choir
A CREATIVE ENSEMBLE
The Illawarra Choral Society grew out of the Illawarra Singers, established in 1947 with sixteen vocalists. The group quickly became a driving force in the development of choral music in the Illawarra, performing classic works with an ever growing number of choristers.
1954 saw the first combined choirs’ performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Choral Society, the Methodist Church choir, and singers from many other choirs in the district – a tradition which continues to this day, performed every other year.
The choir gives three major concerts each year, which aim to display different aspects of the Choral Society’s repertoire.
The ICS continues to proudly support young up and coming musicians and singers.
Dr Carlos Alvarado
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Colombian born Australian Conductor, Carlos was appointed Musical Director of the Illawarra Choral Society in 2019.
Since his arrival to Australia in 2002, Carlos has been actively developing his musical career. He was appointed Musical Director of the Manly-Warringah Choir in April 2003. In 2004 Carlos was Co-founder of the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra, an orchestra that became a symbol of the cultural development in Wollongong and the Illawarra region (NSW) Australia.
David Vance
ACCOMPANIST
David Vance holds honours degrees in English Literature (UNSW) and in music performance (Sydney) and pursued further musical studies as an accompanist and conductor in Italy, Austria and England. He taught at the University of Sydney and the NSW Conservatorium of music before his appointment in 1982 by the University of Wollongong.
David has had a long association with the Illawarra Choral Society, dating back to 1975 when he was appointed its official accompanist. We are very happy to welcome him back to the ICS in 2022.