Actress in
deshielo
Born and raised in São Paulo, Mariá Portugal works across the Brazilian and European music scenes as a drummer, composer, singer, producer and curator. After studying classical composition, she turned to free improvisation and began exploring its connections with Brazilian song traditions. This research led to her acclaimed album EROSÃO (2021) and the formation of her two current ensembles, EROSÃO Septet and EROSÃO PERCUSSION TRIO.
She is also a member of Quartabê, MONSTER, Fire! Orchestra, Skultura and Endless Breakfast, and performs internationally across a range of musical styles, from pop and Brazilian popular music to free improvisation. In 2020, Portugal was the Moers Festival’s 13th Improviser in Residence. As a curator, she currently runs the concert series TOMA CHOCOLATE! in Berlin and has been invited to curate the unlimited festival in Wels in 2026. She also composes music for dance, theatre and film.