Women’s Voices concert, Thursday 16 April 2026 in the Pelgrimvaderskerk Rotterdam
As part of Culture Connection’s Women’s Voices concert series, Maryana Golovchenko brings the magic of Ukrainian women’s singing to the Pelgrimvaderskerk in Rotterdam. Together with cellist Pau Sola Masafrets and vocalists from Rotterdam, she presents an enchanting concert featuring ritual spring songs, full of positive energy, hope and vitality. In addition, on 11 April, Maryana will lead a singing workshop in Rotterdam-Zuid, a unique opportunity to experience the rich sounds of Ukrainian singing for yourself.
“Ukraine embodies an immense wealth of art, culture and heritage that form the foundation of our society. Women play a vital role in this: for generations, they have passed on songs, stories, rituals and folk art. Our heritage and our culture guide our future,” Oksana Savchuk, coordinator of the Ukrainian House Rotterdam.
Concert: Maryana Golovchenko, Pau Sola Masafrets & Rotterdam vocalists
On Thursday, 16 April, Maryana Golovchenko and cellist Pau Sola Masafrets will perform ritual women’s songs deeply rooted in Ukrainian tradition and connected to spring.
What makes this concert really special is that Maryana will be accompanied by an international group of singers who previously attended her workshops at Codarts and the Ukrainian House.
Ukrainian products such as jewellery, embroidery and snacks will also be on sale during the evening.
“The spring songs embody the strength of generations of women,” says Maryana. “They connect us with nature, with one another, and with our history. For centuries, women have gathered to welcome spring with song, to dispel the long winter and make room for hope, new life and new love.”
Date and time: Thursday, 16 April 2026, 7.30 pm (doors open at 7.00 pm)
Venue: Pelgrimvaderskerk, Aelbrechtskolk 20, Rotterdam
Tickets: via the link or www.culture-connection.org
Singing workshops by Maryana Golovchenko at Ukrainian House Rotterdam
In the run-up to the concert, Maryana Golovchenko will lead a Ukrainian women’s singing workshop at the Ukrainian House in Rotterdam South on Saturday 11 April. This is a unique opportunity to experience the rich tradition and power of Ukrainian women’s songs for yourself!
Jey, who is originally from Ukraine and has lived in Rotterdam since 2022, previously took part in a singing workshop and shares her experience: “Singing Ukrainian folk songs makes me feel a strong connection to my homeland. They are beautiful songs – with amazing polyphony – that deserve much greater recognition in the Netherlands. Ukrainian spring songs bring so much light and joy, especially in these times of tragedy. Singing together gives me strength and support.”
Date and time: Saturday, 11 April 2026, 2:00–3:30 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)
Sign up via: https://shorturl.at/3o5lm
About Maryana Golovchenko
Maryana Golovchenko, a Ukrainian singer, musician and artist based in the Netherlands, bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Through her voice, she blends centuries-old Ukrainian sounds with contemporary styles and global musical influences. Golovchenko collaborates with musicians, choirs, filmmakers, dancers and visual artists, and performs in a wide variety of ensembles. She can be heard, for example, in Trio SonCe, where her clear voice is accompanied by cello, Turkish wind instruments and modular synthesizers. Her work exudes curiosity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the musical heritage of her homeland. With her warm voice and natural charisma, she knows how to touch every audience.
About Women’s Voices
Women’s Voices is a programseries by Culture Connection. It spotlights young female musicians and creators who, with courage and imagination, choose their own path and contribute to a more social world through their art, vision and ideals. Women’s Voices is produced in collaboration with many partners, including Grounds, Netwerk Vrouwen van Rotterdam, Codarts Global Music, Stichting Mano, Ukrainian House Rotterdam, Stichting VATAHA, Mama Louise, De Vaillant, UPLR and many others.
With thanks to the City of Rotterdam, Cultuurfonds, Elise Mathilde Fonds, Neyenburgh Fonds, Stichting Van Beek-Donner and Deltaport Donatiefonds.