Scandinavian jazz-folk band performs in a sold-out Tomaree Lodge Hall

CHEESE, a glass of wine, a beautiful sunset, and a Scandinavian jazz-folk fusion band playing.

It may not sound like a typical evening in Port Stephens, but it was made possible thanks to the Tomaree Cultural Development Group.

Last Saturday night, Tomaree Lodge Hall was fully booked for the first of four Tomaree Sunset Spring Concerts.

Acclaimed Sydney-based group Elysian Fields delighted concertgoers with hauntingly beautiful pieces that blended jazz, baroque, classical, and Scandinavian folk music, arranged by band members.

Group founder, Jenny Eriksson, is one of the country’s leading (and few) viola da gamba players, which creates unique sounds.

The concert was a resounding success: at its finale, the group was hardly able to play due to the audience’s applause.

The location of Tomaree Lodge proved a spectacular backdrop for the musical exhibition, a beautiful sunset over Port Stephens waters perfectly complementing the sounds of the Nordic seas evoked by the band.

“It was a wonderful space to perform in, and we felt welcomed and loved by the audience,” said Ms Eriksson.

“We desperately need more venues like this. I wish we could take this one to Sydney along with the sea views!”

The Tomaree Cultural Group is hoping that the warm reception to the Sunset Spring Concerts will show the value of cultural events in Port Stephens.

All the revenue from the concerts will be used to advocate for a performing arts centre to be established in the LGA to attract more tourists and give residents more choice in activities.

The next concert in the Tomaree Sunset Spring series will be held next Saturday, 14 November, featuring the Stars of the Opera Hunter. Mercia Buck, founder and artistic director of Opera Hunter, will be present and performing.

This will be followed by pianist Anthony Chen on 21 November, and by Sax Blue on 28 and 29 November, with tickets still available.

By Nico LOMBARDO