DARBAZI about

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ABOUT DARBAZI

Founded in 1995, Darbazi is a Toronto-based ensemble that focuses exclusively on performing traditional music from the Caucasus Georgia, a mountainous country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

With repertoire ranging from sacred chants to exuberant drinking songs, Darbazi seeks to broaden the awareness of Georgia’s heritage for abundant food and wine, hospitable spirit, and polyphonic songs. Over the years, the choir – made up of three women and eight men, two of whom are from Georgia – has striven for a deeper understanding of this unique music.

Through cultural exchanges and travel, the members have had a chance to work with legendary Georgian singers and experience the profundity of Georgian hospitality. This in turn has translated into Darbazi’s authentic voice for the richly varied musical traditions of Georgia’s many distinctive regions, bringing themselves and their audiences great meaning and joy.

Darbazi has performed in and around Ontario, at Toronto's Fete de la Musique and First Night events, at Montreal's World Music Festival, at Festival 500 in St. John's, Newfoundland and in New York City. Attending the Third International Symposium on Georgian Polyphony in Tbilisi in October 2006 was a highpoint for Darbazi.