Rafael Leoni is an emerging bass-baritone from Brazil. Born in Campinas, Brazil, he graduated from UNICAMP in 2014 and has since established a thriving career across the Americas, performing a wide range of operatic roles. 

His early performances include the Sorcerer in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in 2009, directed by Luis Otávio Santos, and the Second Priest in Mozart’s The Magic Flute in 2010 under Kathryn Hartgrove from the University of Georgia, USA. That same year, he performed Simone in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at the Festival das Montanhas, directed by Regina Helena Mesquita. 

In 2017, Rafael Leoni sang the role of Leopoldo in Ernst Mahle’s A Moreninha, working directly with the composer. In 2021, he appeared as Dr. Geraldo in Mahle’s Isaura. 

More recent roles include Porgy in Porgy and Bess for the “A Hora da Ópera” project in São Paulo in 2023 and 2024, directed by André dos Santos. He also performed Leporello in Don Giovanni and Dulcamara in L’elisir d’amore as part of the “O Resumo da Ópera” project, led by Daniel Martins. 

At the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, Rafael premiered the role of Frido in Homens de Papel, an original Brazilian opera performed in April 2022. 

In 2024, he toured with Cia Operart, performing Uberto in Pergolesi’s La Serva Padrona and Bartolo in Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. 

Rafael Leoni continues to expand his repertoire, showcasing his versatility across a variety of styles and productions.