Rafa Navarro

Rafa Navarro Cabo is a Valencia-born percussionist, composer and educator whose concerts and recordings connect handpan, mallet instruments and ensemble music.

Rafa Navarro Cabo trained in percussion at Valencia’s Joaquín Rodrigo conservatory and developed a practice spanning classical music, jazz and contemporary composition. He writes for marimba, vibraphone, piano, handpan and percussion ensembles, linking musical work with dance and visual projects. His solo recording All Must Beat features marimba, handpan and kalimba, while Wachi Wara documents his work with Exotic Roosters. Teaching is another part of his practice: he has taught at Valencia’s professional dance conservatory and develops workshops for pupils and music educators. His handpan workshops provide instruments and introduce rhythm and collective creativity through participatory playing. He has also worked on music education in China and on exchanges in Senegal, Gambia and Guinea, sharing instruments and teaching in local schools. These activities connect his concert work with an interest in percussion traditions and learning through direct musical participation.