Arguably Rogers and Hammerstein’s most famous musical and the last one they worked on together, The Sound of Music is forever part of our lives thanks to the hugely successful film adaption starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. 2015 marks 50 years since the film made its debut on the silver screen and the captivating story of the Von Trapp family was brought to the masses.
Why Salzburg?
The musical was based on the memoirs of Maria Von Trapp and indeed, they naturally lent themselves to a musical adaption as the family were successful singers. Not only was the film version a massive success but it also put the Austrian city of Salzburg, where it was filmed, firmly on the map. Salzburg has certainly embraced its film star status, hosting performances of the musical regularly and 2015 is the perfect time to visit, as there is a wealth of related events taking place throughout the year.
How do I get there?
Salzburg is the fourth largest city in Austria and it and its surrounding countryside are where the Sound of Music was set and subsequently filmed. Though it doesn’t lie on the banks of the Danube, nearby Linz does and it’s from here that you can join an excursion to Salzburg. There are many Danube itineraries available from the world’s top river cruise lines which offer such excursions, so check your itinerary details first, then you’re ready to join in the celebration.
What can I see?
Salzburg is the perfect place to enjoy a performance of the musical itself and 2015 is the ideal year, with the Salzburget Landestheater entering its fourth successful season of putting on the ever-popular show. The Salzburg Marionette Theatre is another venue with a history of hosting the musical and from April 2015 onwards, it will host a special exhibition in its foyer, which will explore the history of the production and tell the story of the Von Trapp family and display original items belonging to them.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Salzburg on June 26, you can enjoy the Sound of Music Choir Festival, which will feature choral renditions of not only such favourites as Edelweiss and Climb Every Mountain but also classics from other notable Rogers and Hammerstein works. Later in the year sees the Sound of Music Gala, when on October 17, musical selections will be performed and special guests will speak on how the musical and its captivating story changed their lives.
If you find yourself in Salzburg late into the evening, The Sound of Salzburg Dinner show features the Sound of Music Singers performing to the delight of dinner guests. The performance will take place in the Sternbrau, which will also host a Sound of Music exhibition.
Alternatively, if you want to explore for yourself and take in some of the iconic shooting locations in the city itself, there are some you simply won’t want to miss. The Benedictine Nonnburg Convent is where the nuns perform Maria, while Mirabell Gardens is where Maria sings Do-Re-Mi with the children. Head to Residenz Square and you’ll be standing where Maria did when she sand I Have Confidence in Me, while the façade of Leopoldskron Palace played the role of the Von Trapp’s family residence.
We have an excellent selection of Danube itineraries available which call at Salzburg, so take a look and when you’ve found the one that’s perfect for you, just call us to book.
