On Thursday 30 October, Culture Connection and Grounds will present a special concert as part of the Women’s Voices Rotterdam series which focuses on powerful women: musicians, creators, and social entrepreneurs with impressive stories, distinct artistic visions, and strong social commitment. During the concert, Ysa Bermejo and the Ayal ensemble will perform a musical ode to women’s voices from around the world.
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, Ysa sings straight from the heart, passionate and energetic. Over the years, she has developed her own rhythmic and compelling style, effortlessly merging Latin, hip-hop and electronic music. In Women’s Voices Rotterdam, Ysa Bermejo sings about themes that touch her deeply, such as migration, women’s rights and motherhood. She also performs songs from her upcoming album, Gabriela. Accompanied by Michalis Michailidis on acoustic guitar, Ysa’s voice and stories are intimate, honest and moving. Ysa Bermejo music videos: Se Muera Tarantino
Ensemble Ayal performs spiritual and poetic music from Southwest Asia, reviving works by lesser-known female composers. Founded by singer Emine Tokail, the ensemble consists of female musicians of different cultural backgrounds. Traditional instruments and melodies merge with new interpretations and personal stories, and Ayal’s music weaves together centuries-old heritage and contemporary influences. Each ensemble member brings her own cultural background and musicality, creating a overall rich and diverse sound. Line up: Emine Tokail (vocals), Khorshid Dadbeh (tar), Lucie Rosanne Lelaurain (duduk), Flavia Escartin (cello) and Hasret Zilan Yildiz (percussion). Ayal ensemble music video: Atashi Dar
Women’s Voices Rotterdam is a programme series about female freethinkers, innovators, and connectors. It showcases inspiring female musicians and artists from Rotterdam who, with courage and determination, forge their own path and fulfil their mission. The programme of concerts, workshops, lectures and meet-ups gives their music, stories, dreams and ideals a stage.
Women’s Voices Rotterdam is produced in collaboration with Codarts Global Musics, Podium Grounds and the Rotterdam Year of the Woman. Thanks to the City of Rotterdam, Elise Mathilde Foundation, Culture Fund, Neyenburgh Fund and van Beek-Donner Foundation.
Location: Podium Grounds, Pieter de Hoochweg 125, 3024 BG Rotterdam
Date: Thursday 30 October 2025
Start: 19:30 (hall open 19:00)
🎟️ Tickets
More information: www.culture-connection.org en www.grounds.nu