BRAZILIAN COMPOSER, ARRANGER & MUSIC DIRECTOR
Latin Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and music director based between New York and São Paulo, creating orchestral, chamber, and collaborative artistic projects shaped by Brazilian music, improvisation, and contemporary ensemble practice.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
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Latin Grammy nominee
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Doctorate in Jazz Composition – University of Miami
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Music Director of Orquestra Urbana (São Paulo)
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Works performed internationally by major orchestras, jazz ensembles, and artists
ARTISTIC PRACTICE
Rafael develops long-term artistic projects that bring together original composition, music direction, collaborative creation, and large ensemble practice across orchestral, chamber, jazz, and interdisciplinary settings.
His projects include orchestral works, chamber music, jazz orchestra writing, Brazilian instrumental music, recordings, interdisciplinary collaborations, and long-term ensemble projects developed across Brazil and the United States.
SELECTED PERFORMANCES
His works and arrangements have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles internationally, including:
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Brasil Jazz Sinfônica (São Paulo - Brazil)
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Symphony of the Americas (Fort Lauderdale - US)
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Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra (Miami - US)
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Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (OSB) | Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
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Metropole Orkest (Netherlands)
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National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
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Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (Los Angeles - US)
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Orquestra Urbana (São Paulo - Brazil)
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Campinas Symphony Orchestra (Campinas - Brazil)
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Orquestra GRUSinfônica (Guarulhos - Brazil)
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BMI/NY Jazz Orchestra (New York - US)
MUSICAL APPROACH
His artistic approach centers on building projects that move naturally between orchestral writing, improvisation, Brazilian musical traditions, chamber interaction, and collaborative performance, allowing each work to respond to its performers, context, and artistic goals.
PRESS
Rafael’s work has been recognized by leading figures and publications in jazz and contemporary music.
"At each listening, you hear something new and inspiring. This recording is innovative, sophisticated, and filled with the rare optimism of two masters in full flight."
- Wynton Marsalis
"Piccolotto conjures a cornucopia of sonic textures."
- Downbeat Magazine
TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP
His educational work grows directly out of his artistic practice. Rafael teaches composition, arrangement, creative process, Brazilian music, and ensemble practices through mentorship, workshops, private lessons, and online educational projects.
His teaching is closely connected to his professional work with orchestras, recordings, large ensembles, and collaborative artistic productions.
WORK WITH RAFAEL
Rafael collaborates with orchestras, ensembles, festivals, cultural institutions, universities, and artists on original commissions, recordings, music direction, educational initiatives, and interdisciplinary productions.
→ Explore Commissions & Collaborations
For inquiries related to collaborations, performances, or educational work, please get in touch.