Rafael Bittencourt
October 22nd 1971 was the birthday of Rafael de Paula Souza Neto (Rafael Bittencourt). Inspired by Agnus Young, his favourite guitarist, he picked up the guitar at the age of 12. He studied on several instruments and music-styles. Rafael began teaching private lessons in Spanish guitar, music theory and electric guitar in 1989. He was still studying at the Universaty of Arts in Santa Marcelina where he graduated with a degree in composing. Before the Angra-time Rafael was a member of Firebox (together with Luis Mariutti and the first drummer of Angra, Marco Antunes) and Spitfire. As a member of Angra, Rafael is still teaching (guitar)lessons and he is involved in charity work (teaching music to poor children and handicapped people).
Click here for some Rafael-photos.
Thanks to the 
homepage for some pictures and information.