A violin made almost entirely from debris from the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeast Japan in 2011 was the centerpiece of a commemorative concert Friday in Melbourne.

The performance, titled "Resonance: A Tsunami Violin Concert," marked the seventh anniversary of the magnitude 9 earthquake that struck off the coast of Tohoku, triggering a massive tsunami and leaving more than 18,000 people dead or missing.

(Violinist Kana Ohashi, Photo courtesy of the University of Melbourne)

The tsunami violin is one of seven string instruments made from debris by 77-year-old violin craftsman Muneyuki Nakazawa. The instrument is touring the world as part of the Classic for Japan Foundation Tsunami Violin project.

The front and rear surfaces of the instrument are made from driftwood and the beams of homes destroyed in the tsunami.

Inside the violin, the instrument's sound post -- a small piece of wood that vibrates to optimize sound quality -- is made from the wood of the "kisekino ipponmatsu" or "miraculous lone pine tree."

(Photo courtesy of Classic for Japan Foundation, Tsunami Violin Project)

The 280-year-old pine in Rikuzentakata, the only one among 70,000 trees along the town's coastline left standing after the disaster, became a symbol of hope and strength. An image of the pine is painted on the back of the violin.

Roughly 300 people gathered inside the University of Melbourne's Melba Hall to listen to violinist Kana Ohashi perform several pieces including Bach's Violin Sonata No. 3 and a choral performance of "Hamabe no Uta" or "Song of the Beach."

All profits from ticket sales will go towards the Rikuzentakata city scholarship program, helping students with financial difficulties continue their studies.

(Violinist Kana Ohashi, Photo courtesy of the University of Melbourne)