IN PHOTOS: Classics in the Wild fills Kruger National Park with melodies
It was two nights of classical music under the Lowveld sky during the much-anticipated Classics in the Wild concert.
On the weekend of June 7 and 8, the serene Mdluli Safari Lodge near the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate transformed into an enchanting concert hall under the Lowveld sky.
The much-anticipated Classic in the Wild Concert, featuring the acclaimed Apple Green Orchestra, captivated an audience of classical music enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The two-day musical extravaganza was more than just a feast for the ears. It was a symphony for the senses. As the sun dipped below the horizon on a one-of-a-kind granite rock, the air filled with the melodious strains of Strauss, Mozart and Bach, alongside modern renditions of Elton John and Gershwin.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is currently at Mdluli Safari Lodge close to the Numbi Gate for the Innibos 2024 Classics in the Wild performance. It is a classical music concert that promises to be an evening to remember. > Video: Kaptured Concepts Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees #kapturedconcepts #classicsinthewild #Innibos2024 #opera
The event, organised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) Lowveld Region with the support of the Innibos Lowveld National Arts Festival, aimed to raise funds for conservation efforts within the Kruger National Park (KNP) and coincided perfectly with the SHR’s 60th birthday.
And what better way to pay homage than with an orchestra playing happy birthday on arguably the best setting for a classical concert of its kind the country has to offer? Mdluli Safari Lodge has certainly set a precedent for future events in which the beauty of music and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.
ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS | Classics in the Wild an immaculate and phenomenal experience to kick-off Innibos 2024
Under the baton of Tim Roberts, director of the Johannesburg Bach Choir and the Randburg High Community Orchestra, the Apple Green Orchestra delivered a performance that resonated with the natural beauty surrounding them. The highlight of the evening was the young soprano, Sinesipho Mnyango, whose voice soared above the assembled crowd, creating a moment of pure magic that seemed to blend seamlessly with the wild.
Guests were treated to a premium welcoming experience, complete with delicious snacks provided by the team at Mdluli and a glass of complimentary Rhino Tears wine, setting the tone for an evening of sophistication and relaxation.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is currently at Mdluli Safari Lodge close to the Numbi Gate for the Innibos 2024 Classics in the Wild performance. Is is a classical music concert that promises to be an evening to remember. > Video > Kaptured Concepts #innibos2024 #innibos #classicsinthewild #classicalmusic #krugernationalpark
The lodge’s commitment to luxury and comfort was evident, offering a perfect backdrop for the classical pieces that echoed through the open plains. Nelspruit Ford and Malalane Ford have come on board as sponsors for the event, whose input contributed immensely to the success of the event.
Lorinda Roux, Ford’s dealer principal, previously said they were thrilled to have been part of the project.
“Ford and the Ford Wildlife Foundation have been passionate about preserving and supporting the environment for over 30 years. Nelspruit Ford and Malalane Ford, situated next to one of the world’s most famous national parks, the Kruger, are very happy to support the SANParks Honorary Rangers. We know it is efforts such as these that contribute to the preservation of our national parks and the environment.”
First National Bank also joined hands with the honorary rangers as a co-sponsor for the event. Graeme Cole, regional head for commercial banking, said the bank was honoured to partner with the event, as FNB has a responsibility to conserve and protect the environment by actively getting involved in initiatives that are contributing to this cause. “The SANParks Honorary Rangers are doing wonderful work in the KNP and play an important role in assisting SANParks to achieve its conservation and development objectives,” he added.
The concert series, following a sold-out event in March 2023, has become a beacon of cultural and environmental unity. The proceeds from the ticket sales, priced at R1 150 per person, will directly support the SHR in their ongoing conservation projects.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is currently at Mdluli Safari Lodge close to the Numbi Gate for the Innibos 2024 Classics in the Wild performance. It is a classical music concert that promises to be an evening to remember. > Video: Kaptured Concepts #kapturedconcepts #classicsinthewild #Innibos2024 #innibosnasionalekunstefees #classicalmusic #mozart #hallelujah
According to Linda Pieters, head of fundraising at the SHR Lowveld Region, the organisation cannot provide support without the necessary funds. “Fundraising events like Classics in the Wild are important for generating funds. Therefore, sponsors and donors play a very important role in raising funds for conservation. The concert in the park is the third largest fundraising event of the SHR Lowveld. This is the only initiative where so many of the public can attend at once.
“Without the support of FNB and Ford Nelspruit and Malalane, the function would not have been possible. Partnerships like these enable us to achieve our conservation targets and support SANParks. We are proud to be associated with a company that has a commitment to conservation. Your contribution was instrumental in helping us to raise almost R350 000 for the SHR, to be used for approved conservation projects in the KNP.”
This exclusive event showed growth of 20% from last year’s event at Skukuza.
“On top of that, Pretoriuskop and Mdluli Safari Lodge were fully booked. Guests were delighted by the buses ferrying people from Mbombela, Nkambeni Tented Camp, Skukuza and Pretoriuskop. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this hugely successful event – many enquiries have already been received for the next event. Please keep an eye on the SANParks Honorary Rangers’ Facebook page for more information. There may be another event popping up this year.”
About the SHR:
The SHR is SANParks’ chosen volunteer organisation that has been operating since 1964. As unpaid volunteers, the SHR’s support to conservation has contributed R248.6m in donations and volunteer support over the past 10 years. Membership is open to all people with a passion for conservation and a willingness to support the SANParks conservation mission.
The purpose of the SHR is to support SANParks in developing, expanding, managing and promoting a system of sustainable national parks that represent biodiversity and heritage assets, through innovation and best practice for the just and equitable benefit of current and future generations.
We depend on fundraising efforts to implement projects and acquire assets for SANParks – we do not hand over any cash.
Contact lowveldfundraising@sanparksvolunteers.org for more information and ways to contribute.
