BRAZILIAN COMPOSER, ARRANGER & MUSIC DIRECTOR
Latin Grammy-nominated composer based between New York and São Paulo, developing orchestral, chamber, and collaborative musical projects shaped by Brazilian music, improvisation, and contemporary ensemble practices.
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
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ARTISTIC PRACTICE
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Rafael’s work focuses on composition, arrangement, music direction, and artistic collaboration developed through orchestral projects, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, recordings, and interdisciplinary performances.
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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.
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SELECTED PERFORMANCES
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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)​
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MUSICAL APPROACH
His work frequently moves between orchestral writing, improvisation, Brazilian music, chamber ensemble interaction, and collaborative performance environments developed for both concert and recording settings.
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PRESS
Rafael’s work has been recognized by leading figures and publications in jazz and contemporary music.
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"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
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"Piccolotto conjures a cornucopia of sonic textures."
- Downbeat Magazine​
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TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP
Alongside his artistic work, Rafael also teaches composition, arrangement, creative process, Brazilian music, and ensemble practices through mentorship, workshops, private lessons, and online educational projects.
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His teaching is closely connected to his professional work with orchestras, recordings, large ensembles, and collaborative artistic productions.
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WORK WITH RAFAEL
Available for commissions, arrangements, music direction, recordings, orchestral collaborations, festivals, educational activities, and interdisciplinary artistic productions.
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→ Explore Commissions & Collaborations
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For inquiries related to collaborations, performances, or educational work, please get in touch.