BRAZILIAN COMPOSER, ARRANGER & MUSIC DIRECTOR
Latin Grammy-nominated composer based between New York and São Paulo, creating orchestral, jazz, and collaborative artistic projects informed by Brazilian music, improvisation, and concert music traditions.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
-
Latin Grammy nominee
-
Doctorate in Jazz Composition – University of Miami
-
Music Director of Orquestra Urbana (São Paulo)
-
Works performed internationally by major orchestras, jazz ensembles, and artists
-
Collaborations involving orchestral music, jazz, Brazilian music, recordings, and interdisciplinary artistic productions
ARTISTIC PRACTICE
Rafael’s work focuses on composition, arrangement, music direction, and artistic collaboration developed through orchestral projects, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, recordings, and interdisciplinary performances.
His work includes:
-
Composition for concert music, jazz ensembles, and commissioned works
-
Arrangement and orchestral writing for orchestras, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, and collaborative productions
-
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:
-
Brasil Jazz Sinfônica (São Paulo - Brazil)
-
Symphony of the Americas (Fort Lauderdale - US)
-
Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra (Miami - US)
-
Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (OSB) | Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
-
Metropole Orkest (Netherlands)
-
National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica (Costa Rica)
-
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (Los Angeles - US)
-
Orquestra Urbana (São Paulo - Brazil)
-
Campinas Symphony Orchestra (Campinas - Brazil)
-
Orquestra GRUSinfônica (Guarulhos - Brazil)
-
BMI Jazz Composers Orchestra (New York - US)
These performances span concert halls, jazz festivals, and contemporary music contexts across the Americas and Europe.
MUSICAL APPROACH
His work combines orchestral writing, improvisation, Brazilian music traditions, and collaborative ensemble practices developed through concerts, recordings, and interdisciplinary artistic projects.
Rather than working within a single musical category, his projects move between orchestral music, jazz, chamber music, and Brazilian musical traditions through composition, arrangement, music direction, and collaborative production.
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 artistic work, Rafael teaches composition, arrangement, creative process, Brazilian music, and collaborative musical practices through mentorship, private lessons, workshops, and educational programs.
His teaching is directly connected to his professional experience with orchestras, jazz ensembles, recordings, artistic collaboration, and artistic production.
WORK WITH RAFAEL
Available for commissions, arrangements, music direction, recordings, orchestral collaborations, festivals, educational activities, and interdisciplinary artistic productions.
For inquiries related to collaborations, performances, or educational work, please get in touch.