News

Elisabeth von Trapp — yes, of that family — performs at Candlemas

Elisabeth von Trapp will perform at the 30th annual Candlemas concert on Jan. 26 at St. James Episcopal Church.

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 2, 2020

Musician and singer Elisabeth von Trapp, of the famed "Sound of Music" family, will perform for the Candlemas Concert of St. James Episcopal Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.

Inspired by her father Werner von Trapp’s guitar playing and singing, Elisabeth has carried on the legacy of the internationally renowned Trapp Family Singers. Born and raised in Vermont, she is the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired "The Sound of Music." Singing professionally since childhood, Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to the Kennedy Center. Building on her famed family’s passion for music, Elisabeth has created her own artistic style, at once ethereal and earthy, delicate and powerful. “Before the concert is over she will have the crowd gasping with the sheer beauty of her voice," the Boston Globe said of her performance.

Elisabeth’s concert repertoire ranges from Bach to Broadway and Schubert to Sting. With equal ease and eloquence, she sings timeless wonders like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Favorite Things” and “Edelweiss,” “Lieder” by Mozart, Puccini's “O Mio Babbino Caro,” soaring gospel tunes, and pop classics like “A Whiter Shade of Pale” as well as her own stunning compositions. She has released five self-produced albums, and has performed across the United States, Austria and Russia. Her music has been featured on National Public Radio, BBC-Radio, Japanese National Radio and CNN Spanish Radio. She has appeared on CBS’s “Eye on People,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and BBC-TV.

“The Outreach Commission at St. James is excited to welcome guest artist Elisabeth von Trapp for our 30th annual Candlemas Concert,” said Tari Watson of St. James Outreach Commission. “Having the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp of “The Sound of Music’ will make this an unforgettable musical experience for all.” The yearly benefit concert for Outreach celebrates the ancient Christian holiday of “Candlemas,” commemorating Mary’s return to the temple at Jerusalem to present her son to God. The Candlemas Concert will take place in the St. James Hendersonville sanctuary and will continue its tradition of raising urgently needed funds for hunger relief in Henderson County.

Watson noted that there have been some fantastic performers for Candlemas in the last 30 years. In 2019, Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Paul Sullivan was the featured performer. Among many highlights, outstanding artists at Candlemas Concerts have included Celtic Folk artist Robin Bullock, the Michael Jeffry Stevens Jazz Trio with Wendy Jones, vocalist, and the classical ensemble Braidstream.

Longtime St. James members Frank Byrd and Nancy Morton founded the concert series in 1990. Typically, from $12,000-$15,000 is raised each year from ticket proceeds and event underwriters; local organizations receiving funding include The Storehouse, the Hendersonville Rescue Mission and Interfaith Assistance Ministry.

Tickets for the 2020 event are $25 per person and available at Diamond Rush Jewelry in Laurel Park Village, the Henderson County Visitors Center and the St. James Hendersonville reception desk. The price of admission includes an “Hors d’oeuvres by Candlelight” reception in the parish hall, catered by Hubba Hubba Smokehouse.

For more information, call 828-693-7458.