On Thursday 30 October, Culture Connection and Podium Grounds present a special concert in the Women’s Voices Rotterdam series. Expect an evening full of passion, power and connection, with performances by singer Ysa Bermejo and women’s ensemble Ayal. Together they bring a rich musical tribute to women’s voices from around the world. Women’s Voices Rotterdam is an inspiring series that focuses on powerful women: musicians and creators with a unique artistic vision and strong social commitment.

Ysa Bermejo is a Spanish singer-songwriter from Logroño, La Rioja. Inspired by Latin American icons such as Toto la Momposina, Celia Cruz and Susana Baca, she sings music with a social message full of passion. Ysa has her own rhythmic and energetic style, in which Latin, hip hop and electronic music blend effortlessly. In Women’s Voices Rotterdam, she sings about themes that deeply move her, such as migration, women’s rights and motherhood, and performs songs from her new album Gabriela. Accompanied by Michalis Michailidis on acoustic guitar, Ysa’s voice and stories are intimate, honest and moving.

Ensemble Ayal  performs beautiful poetic and spiritual music by unknown female composers and singers from Turkey, Iran and other regions in Southwest Asia. Ayal ensemble was founded by singer Emine Tokail and consists of musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ayal’s music combines traditional instruments and ancient melodies with contemporary interpretations and personal stories. Line-up: Emine Tokail (vocals), Khorshid Dadbeh (tar, tanbour), Lucie Rosanne Lelaurain (duduk), Flavia Escartin (cello) and Hasret Zilan Yildiz (percussion), Borbála Malyi (bağlama, lavta).

Women’s Voices Rotterdam is a series focusing on female free thinkers, innovators and connectors. It showcases inspiring female musicians and creators from Rotterdam who, with courage and perseverance, choose their own path and pursue their mission. Their music, stories, dreams and ideals are given a platform in a varied programme of concerts, workshops, lectures and meet-ups.

Women’s Voices Rotterdam is a production by Culture Connection in collaboration with Codarts Global Musics, Podium Grounds, and Rotterdamse Jaar van de Vrouw. With thanks to gemeente Rotterdam, Elise Mathilde Fonds, Neyenburgh Fonds and Van Beek-Donner stichting.