Now they have put their musical connections to good purpose and have co-ordinated 'The Power of Words and Music', the Manning Winter Festival concert spectacular.

The event will feature exceptional local talent, including the Manning Valley Concert Band, Valley Voices Choir, Kantabile, and performances by Mary Camphius, Ronan King-Rose, Don Secomb and Bruce Wiseman.

The concert will also feature the first public performance of the finale to Ariana’s musical 'Crystal Dreaming'.

An especially commissioned composition reflecting the beauty of the Manning Valley titled 'From Hidden Valleys to the Open Sea, by Sydney-based composer Jonathan Billingham, will be performed by an ensemble of musicians from Sinfonia, the orchestra of the Mid North Coast.

Jonathan grew up in Taree and, following musical studies at the University of New South Wales where he majored in composition, he now resides in Sydney with his wife Linda.

The concert will take place at 2pm on Sunday, June 5, at the blue cross church of St John the Divine, Victoria Street, Taree.

Tickets are now available at Movies Games and More in Victoria Street, and can also be purchased at the door on the day of the concert.

For further information visit www.manningwinterfestival.weebly.com.