Femke Smit & Mike Del Ferro

Femke Smit (1986) is a Dutch singer who has found her true voice in Brazilian music, performing samba, bossa nova, and MPB with such authenticity that it feels as though she were born to it. Whether it is coincidence or a trace of a past life, she feels completely at home within the Brazilian repertoire, and through projects such as Cantorias, Roda da Holanda, and her duo with pianist Mike del Ferro, she has built a strong presence not only in the Netherlands but also in Brazil itself. With Cantorias—alongside Anna Serierse, Lilian Vieira, and Nina Rompa—she won the Edison National Vocal Award in 2024 and was also nominated for the audience prize, further establishing her reputation. Known for her vibrant stage presence and compelling interpretations, she invites listeners on a rich musical journey. Her frequent collaborator, Mike del Ferro, is an award-winning Dutch pianist, composer, and world jazz explorer whose career embodies cross-cultural exchange. Born in Amsterdam to opera singer Leonard del Ferro, who performed with Maria Callas and Leonard Bernstein, Mike pursued piano at the Conservatory of Amsterdam before embarking on an international career marked by collaborations with legends such as Toots Thielemans, Branford Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, Randy Brecker, and Richard Galliano. His music seamlessly fuses classical training with jazz improvisation and influences from Latin America, Africa, India, and beyond, resulting in a sound that is virtuosic yet sensitive, transcending genres while celebrating global traditions. With a vast catalog of acclaimed recordings, international tours, and work in film and multimedia, he has become a leading voice in contemporary jazz, recognized as an ambassador of global jazz whose artistry continues to highlight music as a universal language and a bridge between cultures.