About

“Georgian music is considered by some to be the geographical cradle of polyphonic chant” Awarded UNESCO world heritage, it is described by them as “a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”

About Zarebi

The name Zarebi means bells in Georgian, and at the fore of Georgian singing is the connection to earth and spirit. The style of Georgian singing is deeply resonant and in this resonance the metaphorical bell is struck with power enough for the sound to rise out and connect us to the spirit.

Zarebi who are based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, were founded in 2015 by the musical director Helen Curtis. During this time Zarebi have developed their repetoire which includes folk songs and chants. The women of Zarebi have a love of Georgian songs and a deep connection to each other. What began as a weekly sing together has over the years, developed into friendships and community. Twice a year we feast together in the tradition known as Supra - Georgian Feast. We bring beautiful food to the table, and we eat and sing and toast. The singing of Zarebi have taken its members to Georgia, to Sweden and on exchange with Pletenitza choir from Bulgaria. Over the years we are proud to have placed our beautiful town of Hebden Bridge and its surrounding areas on the map of UK touring Georgian choirs and song masters. Choirs have included Ialoni, Musikeli, Amer-Imeri, and incredible choir masters such as Malkhaz Erkvanidze. We are pleased to continue hosting these wonderful musicians, offering workshops, concerts and singing together. 

About Helen

Helen is a music tutor and performer with a wealth of experience in piano tutoring and workshop leadership. She works as a performer with current professional projects and many past projects. Helen was first introduced to Georgian music in 2006 and since then has established herself as a respected UK Georgian song specialist. Helen has visited Georgia twice and has performed at The Georgian National Opera Theatre in Tblisi as part of the Chvenaburebi festival with her previous choir Samzeo. Samzeo also supported The Warsaw Village Band at The Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds, where they received a standing ovation. She has performed for the Patriarch of Georgia at his palace and at the Georgian Embassy in London. Over the years she is lucky enough to have made connections and friendships in Georgia.