Rafa Campos Salles began his musical journey at the age of 10 in Araçatuba, São Paulo, under the guidance of pianist Maria Cecilia Raab and mezzo-soprano Neila Fontão. At 17, he honed his skills with Martha Herr in São Paulo's capital. His talent blossomed at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, where he studied under the renowned Dr. Robert Harrison and two-time Grammy winner soprano Sylvia McNair. Rafa's exceptional performance earned him both the Voice Faculty Award and the Premiere Young Artist Award.

In his operatic repertoire, Campos Salles has taken on roles in works such as Fauré's Promethée (Hermes), Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers (Francesco), as well as Purcell's The Fairy Queen (Autumn) and Dido and Aeneas (Aeneas). His versatility shone through in his portrayal of Lieutenant Joseph Cable in South Pacific, directed by Vincent Liotta and conducted by Broadway maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos. This performance followed his success as a semifinalist in the Hal-Leonard Musical Theatre Competition.

Rafa's musical education spans continents, having studied with acclaimed instructors such as Susanna Rigacci in Italy, Martha Herr in São Paulo, and Dominick Amendum in New York. He has performed under the baton of renowned conductors including Lutero Rodrigues, Dale Rieling, and Abel Rocha.

His performances have graced prestigious stages worldwide, from the Brisbane Town Hall and The Carmel Palladium to Sala São Paulo and New York's Metropolitan Room. Rafa has also captivated audiences at the traditional cabaret house "The Duplex" and the off-Broadway theater "Broadway Comedy Club.”

A milestone in his early career was his selection as one of six singers for concerts and masterclasses at the Campos do Jordão Winter Festival, Latin America's largest classical music event. Rafa was also a proud member of the Singing Hoosiers at IU Jacobs School of Music, under the direction of Duane Davis, Steve Zegree, and Ly Wilder.

With his expressive voice and commanding stage presence, Rafa Campos Salles continues to enchant audiences wherever he performs