About
Renowned for his versatility as a composer, arranger, pianist, and producer, Rui Ribeiro is a singular personality in the Portuguese music landscape. Although classically trained, he rapidly shown a drive to transcend genre and cultural boundaries, experimenting with a wide range of musical styles, from mainstream to classical, and incorporating influences from all around the globe. He has produced dozens of albums, collaborated with renowned artists, and composed soundtracks for movies, TV shows, and major events.
His compositions, which span from intimate piano pieces found in his "Miniatures" albums to expansive orchestral works like the soundtrack for the Longines League of Nations™, are a testament to the amazing depth and diversity of his creative journey. This versatility is further displayed by his work "Beijing Expectations Rhapsody," premiered in China in 2017, which fuses Eastern and Western musical traditions by showcasing traditional Chinese instruments alongside a symphonic orchestra. Rui’s talent for composing film scores is showcased in the soundtrack for the short film "My Sister," selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. His songwriting skills have also earned him significant recognition, including two nominations for Best Music at the Portuguese Golden Globes in 2011 and 2013. Furthermore, his impactful collaboration with multi-awarded Portuguese artists Aurea, played a crucial role in propelling her career, as he composed, wrote, and co-produced her albums from the beginning of her journey until 2018. Over the past 20 years, Rui has made substantial contributions as a songwriter, arranger, and producer for a diverse array of national artists, including Luísa Sobral, Ana Bacalhau, João Só, Nena, Xana Toc-Toc, D'ZRT, Cherry, and The Happy Mess, among many others. In addition to his work in Portugal, he has collaborated extensively with Chinese artists, musicians, and orchestras, conducting several concerts across China.
Alongside his many successful collaborations in the music industry, Rui Ribeiro places great emphasis on his solo projects. His discography includes six albums and one compilation to date. Albums like Miniatures, Recollections, Rugas, and the latest addition, 8 Impromptus for Felted Piano, highlight his remarkable talent for crafting music that, despite its deeply personal nature, speaks to a universal audience.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Rui Ribeiro, alongside acclaimed producer Ricardo Ferreira, heads Blim Records, a prominent music production company in the Portuguese music landscape with a rich history spanning two decades. This venture reflects his commitment to nurturing the growth of the Portuguese music scene and reaffirms his status as one of the country’s most innovative and influential musicians.