Rafael Rocha

Origin

Vitória, ES

Years active

2000s–Present

Genres

jazz, mpb, classical, brazilian jazz

Instruments

trombone, arranger, composer, conductor

Biography

Rafael Rocha is a Brazilian trombonist, arranger, composer, and conductor with an international career, recognized for his versatility at the intersection of classical music, jazz, and Brazilian popular music.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Trombone from the FAMES (Music School of Espírito Santo) and a postgraduate degree in Music Education. Rocha has established a solid career as a creator and performer, collaborating with prominent figures in Brazilian and international music, including Djavan, Ivan Lins, João Bosco, Bob Mintzer, and Paquito D'Rivera. His work spans major recording productions, symphonic projects, and big band performances.

As a trombonist and arranger, Rocha has participated in recent albums by Djavan and is a member of his band for international tours. He has also collaborated with Ivan Lins on projects with the group Brasilidade Geral. A significant milestone in his career was his work on João Bosco's album with the NDR Bigband, for which he conducted, arranged, and performed as a solo trombonist. This project, recorded in Germany and released internationally, garnered widespread acclaim for uniting a major Brazilian composer with a prestigious European big band. He has also led the NDR Bigband in concerts at Sala São Paulo, solidifying his presence in the international classical and jazz music circuits. Rocha's arrangements have been featured by orchestras and big bands in Brazil and abroad, including the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, OSESP, the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra, and the São Paulo Big Band, where he is the resident arranger. His compositions and arrangements are noted for their sophisticated orchestration, mastery of jazz language, and deep connection to contemporary Brazilian music, establishing an artistic identity that fluidly navigates diverse musical universes.