Thomas is Musical Director and co-founder of Maracatu Ilha Brilhante (Maracatu of the Shining Island) is Ireland’s national percussion and dance ensemble specialising in the beautiful songs and powerful rhythms from Pernambuco, Brazil.

Using Afro-Brazilian roots traditions, the group focus on the delivery of both the energy and spirit of the Maracatu cultural expression including song, rhythm and dance.

The groups social model forges cultural and personal connections with members of the Brazilian communities that are the well spring for this form of communal artistic expression and those who enjoy this form internationally.

Founded in 2010, Maracatu ilha Brilhante acts as a conduit for many experienced percussionists, singers, musicians and dancers to express themselves whilst retains a strong emphasis is placed in mutual support, care and ongoing quest for excellence in performance. This replicates the strong communal base of this type of cultural expression in Recife in the North East of Brazil

In 2015 the group formalised its affiliation with Nação do Maracatu Leão da Campina in Brazil that acts as its Patron and recognises it’s status as advocates for the culture.

www.maracatuireland.ie