Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra: Concert in the Kruger wildness mesmerises

The internationally acclaimed Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra held magical concert under the stars in the Kruger National Park on Monday evening, March 20.

The first-of-its-kind concert brought lovers of both classical music and nature from across the country, including Cape Town and Limpopo, to Skukuza Golf Club to immerse themselves in the Viennese-style interpretations of various pieces by some of the greatest composers in history. These included Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Set in the serene surroundings of the park near the banks of the Sabie River at Skukuza Golf Club, the orchestra was not only welcomed by a large audience, but the enthusiastic grunts from a pod of hippos wallowing in the river.

The orchestra had already performed in Maputo and the Kilima Sanctuary in Mozambique before its stunning show in Skukuza.

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The concert was part of a conservation tour for non-profit organisation Fire Island Conservation, to raise funds for its efforts to save turtles, including the endangered hawksbill and green turtles being poached on an island off the coast of Mozambique.

Monday night’s concert was a joint project between the organisation, the Innibos Lowveld National Arts Festival and the SANParks Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region. The proceeds of the concert will go to the SANParks Honorary Rangers for conservation projects in the park.

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The concert also led up to a 2025 world tour, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Austrian composer Johann Strauss.

The touring ensemble comprised nine acclaimed musicians, including South African violinist Amora de Swardt.

The event was financially supported by First National Bank. The orchestra also performed at Mdluli Safari Lodge in the Kruger on Tuesday night.