Carlos Cordero

Carlos Cordero (b. 1992) promotes change as a new choral music advocate, composer, singer, and hug-giver. As a gay Latine immigrant artist, Carlos advocates for the LGBTQ+ and immigrant community through his brand, The Happy Choir, and his professional Tenor-Bass choir, Un/heard. His mission is to create moments where people discuss how to be kinder with each other and themselves. Selected commissions include EXIGENCE, Conspirare, Chorus Austin, and other organizations recognized for their social advocacy. Carlos founded the New Choral Music Society, a non-profit advocating for opportunities for new choral music composers and poets. Despite his family’s lack of support in pursuing a music career, Carlos completed composition and performance studies, holding an M.M. in Composition from the University of Houston, where he met his choral luminaries, Dr. Betsy Cook Weber and Dr. David Ashley White. Carlos is Chorus America’s Alice Parker Fund Award 2024 recipient, recognizing the exemplary work of a Black or Latinx composer who respectfully and authentically presents works incorporating these traditions and experiences. Carlos is originally from Venezuela, where he was a choral conductor and music educator at El Sistema; he currently resides in Austin, Texas, with his two Chiweenies, Sweet Pea and Olive. People visiting Austin should reach out to him to have some Venezuelan food!