Innibos brings several classical music productions to the stage this year, and festival-goers are ensured of a feast for the ears.

What better way to conclude the arts festival than with some poetry, jazzy swing and ballads, and opera seldom heard in the Lowveld, Mpumalanga?

The artistic weekend starts at Christie’s at 32 on Russell in Nelspruit on June 30 at 18:00 with well-known Lowveld artist Lizanne Barnard, who brings several art genres together in the production Kuns inni Liedjiebos.

Barnard asked the public to submit poems with the theme ‘fresh’, ‘new beginnings’ and ‘happiness, which she then set to music. She explored different music styles, including a youth choir, classical quartet, marimba and flute, and drums and guitars.

However, in a step further, she also asked creative artists like sculptors, ceramic artists and painters to use some of the poems as inspiration to create their art. Participating artists include Anton and Hanlie Bosch, Ilona Petzer, Mariana Zwaan and Carel de Beer.

Well-known rocker and visual artist Jan Blohm is the guest performer and will bring his songs as well as his paintings to the stage.

All the art will be exhibited at Christie’s at 32 on Russell during Innibos. Do not miss this very creative coming together of the arts.

The Harvard Krokodiloes will also perform at Christie’s at 10:30 on July 2. Comprised of 12 tuxedo-clad Harvard undergraduates, the Harvard Krokodiloes have been charming audiences across the world since 1946 with their signature blend of jazz, funk, rock and roll, and ballad arrangements.

At 13:00 the stage is set for an opera experience at the Mbombela City Theatre.

Opera Extravaganza is a glorious celebration of opera, with the compulsory high-flying soprano and an exploration of the instrumental side with works like the Carmen Fantasy by Sarasate for violin, and the Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro, arranged for eight hands on two pianos.

The stalwart of South African opera, soprano Loveline Mudamo, will be joined by bass Otto Maidi and mezzo Linette van der Merwe, while the acclaimed Zanta Hofmeyr will dazzle on the violin.

Several of the choral delights from operatic repertoire will be performed by the Nocoré Ensemble, and Theresa Prinsloo will lead the virtuoso group of six pianists performing on the day. Lowvelder Walter Fourie is the producer of this magnificent presentation.

For more information on times, venues and ticket prices for Innibos productions, visit innibos.co.za. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.