A scholarship of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, he graduated cum laude from the Liceo Musicale "G. B. Viotti", in Vercelli, Italy, where he took up residence.

Xavier made his debut at the São Carlos National Theatre, Portugal, interpreting roles in the operas Miguel Manara, Der Rosenkavalier, Louise, Dona Mécia, Rigoletto, and Fedora.

He has performed at renowned music festivals, including Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Kriens (Lucerne), Vilar de Mouros, Macau.

A lecturer in singing at the Lisbon National Conservatory of Music, he has supervised some of the most prominent Portuguese young lyrical singers.

He is the founder of the "Luisa Todi National Singing Competition" (eight editions) and has taught master's degree course in Portugal and abroad.