Join us at Tomaree Lodge Hall on the shores of Shoal Bay to hear one of Australia's best young concert pianists in action, whether it's the strength and virtuosity of a Beethoven sonata or the gentle romanticism of a Debussy prelude. Enjoy wine and cheese after the performance as we experience sunset in this iconic location.
ANTHONY CHEN was entranced by the beauty of piano music from a very early age and went on to study at Sydney Conservatorium where he won multiple awards and graduated with distinction. He subsequently enjoyed success at the Australian National Piano Competition and in the Lev Vlasenko Piano competition, winning the Griffith University People's Choice Prize, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra vote, and the award for Best Performance of an Australian Work. He performs regularly in recitals in Sydney and Canberra, and in 2017 he performed in the Estivo Chamber Music Summer School in Verona, Italy.
TOMAREE HEADLAND SITE
Originally a military hospital dating back to the Second World War, then a facility for mental health patients, the Tomaree Headland site was set aside by the NSW Government for the exclusive use of the Port Stephens community in 2021. The heritage-listed site and buildings are now undergoing a period of transition to new community uses following release of the Master Plan for Tomaree Headland by the Department of Communities and Justice in July this year. The venue for this pilot series of concerts was originally the hospital refectory. It is hoped the pilot will help to identify improvements that can be made to make the building more suitable and adaptable for its future community uses.
TOMAREE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP
The Tomaree Cultural Development Group is a community advocacy group committed to campaigning for a modern purpose-built theatre and cultural complex to be established in the Port Stephens local government area. Led by Kathie Barnes, the group has been active since 2021, commissioning an Economic Impact Assessment in 2024 and a Concept Plan for a new Performing Arts centre in 2025. Its activities recently resulted in Port Stephens Council officially committing to support the development of a cultural centre and it continues to advocate through its own cultural and awareness and fundraising initiatives.
All profits from the Tomaree Sunsets Spring concerts will go back to the TCDG to be put towards its continued advocacy for a Performing Arts Centre for Port Stephens. If you would like to make a donation towards the campaign, please see the donation option under ticket types.
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