A new generation of Von Trapps is singing its way across China, Chen Nan reports.


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The story of Captain Von Trapp and his wife, Maria, who fled their home in Austria just ahead of Nazi troops from Germany prior to World War II, is familiar to anyone who has seen The Sound of Music. So much so that people sometimes get confused when they meet members of the Von Trapp family today.

When the Von Trapp Children turned up recently in Beijing - Sofia, a classic blue-eyed blonde, the oldest at 24; wispy Melanie, 22; brown-eyed Amanda, 21; and lively, bright-eyed Justin, 17 - they are exactly as you would picture them -young, sweet faces tinged with the blush of health and excitement.

They are the grandchildren of Werner Von Trapp, who was renamed Kurt in the film. Carrying on the family's tradition of singing, they are touring China for the first time.

They kick off their performances with a night at the Forbidden Concert Hall in Beijing on July 26. Their performances have folk, spiritual songs in seven languages including Chinese, and popular songs from The Sound of Music.

They sing Edelweiss, a song from the film, in Chinese.

"It's our tradition to sing the language of the country where we perform," Sofia says.

"We know that the film has found a place in the hearts and memories of fans in China, like others around the world. We are also inspired by this," Sofia says.

"When we sing, we can feel the old fondness for the film and its powerful message of family, faith and courage."