Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares (1901–1994) was a Surinamese musician, composer, conductor, and educator known for his contributions to classical music in both Suriname and the Netherlands.
Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, to a family of Creole and Sephardic Jewish descent,[4] Alvares grew up in a deeply religious environment.
Under the mentorship of Brother Anselmus (Carel Bonten), Alvares received formal music education, which began with training in organ and piano.
Alvares' musical abilities caught the attention of Brother Anselmus, leading him to become the organist of the St. Alphonsus Church at a young age in 1916.
In 1954, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as organist at the St. Rosa Church, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by Pope Pius XII.