Brazilian-born Carla Berg, a singer-songwriter of Sephardic descent, weaves a tapestry of cultural history and modern flair into her music. Raised in São Paulo, her melodies resonate with the rhythms of jazz, bossa nova, samba, and the elegance of classical opera, influenced by her rich Jewish heritage.
Carla’s musical voyage began with her cantor grandfather, nurturing a deep bond with her roots. Her belief in music as a universal language is evident in her works, especially during the pandemic, where she turned challenges into opportunities, composing songs that echo resilience and hope.
In 2021, Carla released “Nes” for Chanukah, a piece originally in Ladino, capturing the song’s power to inspire hope. The 2023 English rendition, complemented by a winter-themed video, beautifully illustrates Hanukkah traditions, emphasizing Carla’s commitment to preserving her Sephardic and Brazilian heritage through music.
In addition to her singing career, Berg received her BA degree from the Universidad Paulista in Sao Paulo in child development and an advanced degree in child development education and psychology from the Universidad Catolica de Sao Paulo. In addition to a brief teaching stint in preschool at the Chabad Hebrew Academy, her two young daughters are prime beneficiaries of her child development education.
She sang in local choirs before pursuing a solo career. Kevyn Lettau, a vocalist with the famed Sergio Mendes band, was her local voice coach.
Her first EP, “Thankful,” a blend of bossa nova and jazz in four languages, and the recent motherhood-inspired smooth jazz track “It’s Love,” highlight her global appeal. Carla’s 2023 performances, including at New York’s Brazilian Jewish Music Klestival, have solidified her place in the music world.
New York Jewish Travel Guide
