GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 2, 2010 – The Von Trapp Children, who will perform with the Grand Rapids Symphony next weekend, will join Michigan author William Anderson at Schuler’s Books and Music for a special book signing and appearance on Saturday, Nov. 13.
The great-grandchildren of the famous Captain and Maria von Trapp, whose story was immortalized in “The Sound of Music,” will appear from 11 a.m. to noon at the 3165 Alpine Ave. NW, Walker location of the bookstore. They will be joined by Flint resident and author William Anderson, who will be signing copies of his newly released V is for von Trapp: A Musical Family Alphabet, which presents a behind-the-headlines look at the family.
The two-tiered alphabet format follows the early days of the von Trapps in Austria, their escape from Nazi authorities, their love of America and their family lodge in Vermont. The release of the book coincides with the 45th anniversary of the film version of the beloved musical and the Nov. 2 release of a digitally restored, Blu-Ray limited edition collector’s set of The Sound of Music.
The Von Trapp Children – Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and Justin – will join the Grand Rapids Symphony and Associate Conductor John Varineau for three performances: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. The concert is the second of six Fox Motors Pops Series concerts. The concert sponsor is Fifth Third Bank.
The Von Trapp Children have played before sellout crowds in some of the world’s most prestigious theaters, including the Sydney Opera House, during a world tour that took them to Europe, Canada, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. The also have six albums and a DVD to their credit. They most recently appeared on “Oprah,” along with the cast of the film version “The Sound of Music,” to commemorate the film’s anniversary.
Michigan author, historian, and lecturer William Anderson has written and edited more than 20 books including The World of the Trapp Family. Anderson extensively researched historical archives including the family’s personal scrapbooks and photo collection while compiling information for this book. He interviewed Maria von Trapp, prior to her death, as well as the seven remaining von Trapp children.
Tickets for The Von Trapp Children’s performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony start at $18 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, online at www.ticketmaster.com or in person at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Symphony office or two hours prior to the performance at the concert venue.
CONCERT TICKETS: Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616/454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster, 800/982-2787, at ticketmaster.com, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: Select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.