A visiting Japanese choir provided an international resonance to the inaugural Tomaree Arts Festival.
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Eleven members of the Kirara choir from Tateyama performed in 'pop-up' and formal concerts organised by the SeaSide Singers. Other members of the party demonstrated the art of origami to festival-goers.
They were among a party of 30 to visit the area to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tateyama's Sister Cities relationship with Port Stephens.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer paid tribute to the group for making the visit after their city was hammered by typhoons Faxai in September and Hagibis in October.
"The group and their families have had a difficult time, but they were determined to be here for the 10th anniversary celebration. All were home hosted during their 3-day visit," Cr Palmer said.
"Our ties with Tateyama have grown to cover a variety of sporting, educational and cultural activities that give our residents an opportunity to expand their horizons."
Other choral groups besides the SeaSide Singers and Kirara Chorus who joined in the Universal Harmony choral segment of the October arts festival were the Hunter Women of Note, Tuggerah Lakes Choral Society, Budgewoi Ladies Chorus and Port Harmony.
Port Stephens Council has donated $4000 from ward and Mayoral funds to help rebuild school facilities in Tateyama following the typhoons. Port Stephens Sister Cities Committee, which organised the anniversary celebrations, donated a further $500.
