isabel rato

Isabel Rato is a pianist, composer, arranger and producer whose work bridges jazz, classical music, and Portuguese folk traditions with remarkable lyricism and emotional depth. Considered one of the leading female figures in Portuguese jazz, she has built a career distinguished by elegance, creative curiosity, and a strong personal identity.

Her debut album, “Para Além da Curva da Estrada” (Beyond the Bend in the Road, 2016), released by Sintoma Records, immediately captured the attention of critics and audiences alike. It was followed by “Histórias do Céu e da Terra” (Stories of Heaven and Earth, 2019), “Luz” (Light, 2022), and “Vale das Flores” (Valley of Flowers, 2024), all of which were recognised by Jazz.pt as among the Best Portuguese Jazz Albums of their respective years.
Her most recent album, “Vale das Flores”, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s April Revolution and was also highlighted by critics from Jazz.pt, World Music Charts Europe, and publications across Europe as one of the year’s best releases in jazz and world music.

With her Quintet, Isabel Rato has performed on some of the most important stages and festivals in Portugal and abroad, including Ageas CoolJazz, Santa Casa Jazz Fest, Amadora Jazz, Tass Jazz, Festival de Jazz do Egito (Cairo Jazz Festival), Festival Até Jazz, and Hot Clube de Portugal, among many others.
Her music has been praised as “a breath of fresh air in our musical landscape, where jazz, classical and folk traditions meet in perfect harmony” (Fernando Sobral, Jornal Económico).

A graduate in Jazz Piano from the Lisbon College of Music, Isabel studied with pianist João Paulo Esteves da Silva and attended masterclasses with international names such as John Taylor, Fred Hersch, Kevin Hays, Enrico Pieranunzi, Hal Galper, Mário Laginha, Kenny Werner, and Vardan Ovsepian. She has also collaborated with some of Portugal’s most respected artists, including João Barradas, João Mortágua, Desidério Lázaro, Sofia Vitória, Elisa Rodrigues, Beatriz Nunes, and Maria João.

Her duo project Veia, with vocalist Elisa Rodrigues, has been featured at international events such as the Galway Jazz Festival (Ireland) and major Portuguese festivals including Caldas Nice Jazz, Évora JazzFest, and Aqui Há Jazz.

Born in Lisbon in 1981, Isabel began studying piano at the age of five and developed early on a passion for music, theatre, and dance. She currently teaches jazz and classical piano at several schools in the Lisbon area, including the Hot Clube de Portugal.

Through her music, Isabel Rato continues to explore the poetic essence of sound — a space where freedom, emotion and identity meet in a singular artistic voice that bridges generations and traditions.