Biography

Born in Leiria, Portugal, Estela began playing the piano as a self-taught musician and later joined Orfeão de Leiria, where she completed the conservatory up to the fifth grade, while also attending the Chãs Philharmonic.

At the age of 15, she continued her studies at the Conservatory of Music in Coimbra, where she completed the professional jazz course. Later, she earned her degree at the Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa, where she began exploring writing for jazz orchestra.

She has participated in various projects both as a performer and as an arranger/composer. Estela not only has a solo project but is also part of a group that scored Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, called the Cinematic Pocket Orchestra.

As a performer, she has worked with Brigada Victor Jara, Jorge Costa Pinto, Luís Represas, among others. As a composer, she has collaborated with prominent names in Portuguese jazz, such as Bernardo Moreira, João Moreira, João Mortágua, Diogo Alexandre, Paulo Bernardino, Bernardo Tinoco, Duarte Ventura, Andreia Santos, and Bernardo Couto (fado), among many others.

She has had the opportunity to work with several orchestras, including the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra, Espinho Jazz Orchestra, Off Limits Orchestra, and Leiria Jazz Orchestra (in the context of the Leiria International Music Composition Contest), as well as with artists like Cristina Branco, Bernardo Moreira’s projects (Cantigas de Maio), and André Santos (Mano a Mano). Recently, she became a composer and arranger for the Basel Jazz Orchestra.

In 2023, she participated in the Leiria International Composition Contest, where her composition won the competition. This year, she is a finalist in the 5th edition of JazzComp Graz 2024 (Triennial Competition for Modern Jazz Composition).

She was a teacher at the National Conservatory’s Professional Jazz Course and currently teaches at the School of Rock in Lisbon.

Estela Alexandre Orchestra

The Estela Alexandre Orchestra project began in 2019, during her first year at the Lisbon School of Music, inspired and guided by her teacher, renowned musician Filipe Melo. Initially conceived as a space for experimentation in composition and orchestral arrangements, the project took shape during the lockdown, when Estela returned to her hometown of Leiria. Immersed in the serene landscapes of Cortes, she discovered how nature could become a powerful source of inspiration for her music.

Through this project, Estela defines her own musical universe—an organic blend of jazz, rock, and fado—brought to life by a carefully selected ensemble of musicians. Influenced by composers such as Maria Schneider, Estela adopts a cinematic approach to composition, focusing on creating immersive soundscapes that guide listeners through a rich palette of emotions, much like a film soundtrack. Her music invites contemplation, evoking a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, introspection and exuberance.

What makes this project even more unique is that Estela stands as the youngest musician in Portugal to independently compose for and lead an orchestra—without being affiliated with any institution. This independence allows her to fully embrace her artistic vision and push creative boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on orchestral music.

The album, Cantomilo, which will be released in Spring 2025, reflects these experiences and inspirations. Each piece becomes a journey, not only through physical landscapes but also through emotional states, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and connection with the world around them. Some of the album’s tracks are already available on YouTube, offering a glimpse into this unique musical vision.

Location Info

Estela Alexandre is based in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. She works internationally, whether as a composer, conductor, or pianist. The orchestra project is also capable of performing or recording music in other countries around the world.