Marcos Portugal (1762-1830) started his musical career as composer of operettas and a function of royal bandmaster. In 1807 the French invasion in Portugal forced him to leave for Brasil, as a companion to the royal family. In those days, Brazil still was a Portuguese colony. In Rio de Janeiro he became the conductor of the orchestra of the newly opened Teatro Sao Joao. He composed various works for this theatre, which became known in Europe as well. The royal family returned after the fall of Napoleon, but her stayed in Brazil and died there in 1830.