BRAZILIAN COMPOSER, ARRANGER, AND MUSIC DIRECTOR BASED BETWEEN NEW YORK AND SÃO PAULO, WORKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC, JAZZ, AND BRAZILIAN MUSICAL TRADITIONS
Brazilian composer, arranger, and music director specializing in large ensemble writing, orchestral jazz, and cross-genre musical languages.
His work integrates concert music, jazz traditions, and Brazilian music into original compositions and arrangements for orchestras, big bands, and chamber ensembles.
Latin Grammy-nominated composer with international experience writing for and directing works performed across the United States, Europe, and Brazil.
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 written for leading jazz and orchestral ensembles internationally
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Arrangements and compositions performed by major artists and ensembles in the United States, Europe, and Brazil
ARTISTIC PRACTICE
Rafael’s work focuses on composing, arranging, and directing music for large ensembles, combining orchestral writing, jazz language, and Brazilian musical traditions.
He works across three main areas:
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Composition for concert music, jazz ensembles, and commissioned works
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Arranging and orchestration for orchestras, big bands, and hybrid ensembles
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Music direction for live performances, recordings, and artistic productions
SELECTED PERFORMANCES
His works and arrangements have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles internationally, including:
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Brasil Jazz Sinfônica (Brazil)
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Symphony of the Americas (United States)
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Metropole Orkest (Netherlands)
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Orquestra Urbana (Brazil)
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BMI Jazz Composers Orchestra (New York)
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Orquestra Urbana (Brazil)
These performances span concert halls, jazz festivals, and contemporary music contexts across the Americas and Europe.
MUSICAL APPROACH
His work explores the intersection between orchestral composition, jazz improvisational language, and Brazilian musical traditions.
Rather than separating genres, his approach integrates them into a unified compositional voice, focused on structure, color, rhythm, and large-scale musical form.
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
In addition to his work as a composer and music director, Rafael teaches composition, orchestration, and musical creativity through private lessons and educational programs.
His teaching focuses on developing compositional voice, structural thinking, and practical orchestration skills for contemporary musicians.
WORK WITH RAFAEL
Available for commissions, arrangements, orchestration projects, and music direction for orchestras, ensembles, and artistic productions.
For inquiries related to collaborations, performances, or educational work, please get in touch.
Rafael Piccolotto de Lima is a Brazilian composer, arranger, and music director working at the intersection of orchestral music, jazz, and Brazilian musical traditions, creating works for leading ensembles and artists internationally.