The Germany-based Brazilian drummer, singer, composer and producer MARIÁ PORTUGAL has been active in the São Paulo music scene for more than 20 years. She recorded,  performed and toured throughout South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania with artists  such as Elza Soares, Metá Metá, Arrigo Barnabé, Quartabê, Maggie Nicols, Anthony Braxton,  Fred Frith, Nick Dunston and Tomeka Reid. As a composer, she has been performing and  composing original music for dance, theatre and cinema. Since 2021 she has been one of the  curators of the Soundtrips-NRW free improvisation program.