The von Trapp name is synonomous with “The Sound of Music” and a granddaughter from the famous family will perform Saturday night in Bartlett.

Classical guitarist Elisabeth von Trapp will bring the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center stage “alive with the sound of music” with a performance that begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Von Trapp is the daughter of Werner von Trapp, depicted in “The Sound of Music” as Kurt, and the granddaughter of Maria von Trapp, the production’s main character.

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“As soon as I tell people that, they just go, ‘Ohhh,” like they know me. It’s just a fun experience I’ve had my whole lifelong since “The Sound of Music” came out.”

The movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, premiered in 1965 and is considered a classic, depicting life in Austria during the 1930s. Andrews abandons her life as a nun to become governess over the family of seven children and the single father — Baron von Trapp — played by Plummer. The score of the movie contains a number of well-known songs.

Elisabeth von Trapp’s grandmother — Maria — fled Austria to the United States when the Nazis invaded during World War II. Once in America, her family toured for years as the Von Trapp Family Singers.

They settled in Stowe, Vermont, around 1950 and opened the Von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort, which still operates today.

Elisabeth lives in the Mad River Valley in Vermont, where her parents bought a farm in 1959 — the same year “The Sound of Music” premiered on Broadway.

She has toured since 2002, and actually uses the same booking agency, Columbia Artist Management, that sponsored the Von Trapp Family Singers for 20 years from the late 1930s to the 1950s. 

Von Trapp is quick to note that the music from the film by Rodgers and Hammerstein, which she loves, is different from the music made by her family.

“I was sort of in betwixt and between. I love the musical...but it took me the longest time to incorporate “The Sound of Music” songs. I do quite a few of them in my concert now,” she said.

Her show includes a variety of music she describes as “Bach to Broadway, Schubert to Sting and everything in between,” with ancient folk songs and holiday favorites also in the mix.

Von Trapp credits her interest in music to a positive upbringing that encouraged creativity. Her father was a multi-instrumentalist and singer when he could squeeze in time away from work.

Elisabeth played piano growing up and studied voice once she got to college.

“Music, I find over the years, has stabilized me or grounded me,” she said. “To sing is a very important thing. It helps lifts the spirits.”

For years before becoming a professional musician, she ran a clothing business where she designed Austrian dirndl dresses. It gave her the chance to be in a quiet environment to listen closely to music and think creatively.

“I feel that’s so important. I find my music reflects those years where I had the chance to really think about life and the beauty of song and how I wanted to develop my own music,” said von Trapp, who cites Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez as early influences that led to her learning guitar and writing her own material.

Her career has spanned six albums, including “Something Good” that features songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein and “Christmas Song” with holiday favorites.

She is looking forward to sharing some of those songs and help attendees this weekend kick off the holiday season.

BPACC Director Michael Bollinger was familiar with von Trapp from many years ago when he ran a theater in Charlottesville, Virginia. With this year being the 60th anniversary of the film version of “The Sound of Music” he thought there was no better time to invite her town.

“She’s just delightful — a beautiful singing voice and plays guitar in all kinds of styles,” he said. “It’s just going to be a wonderful night for everyone.”

Von Trapp plans a meet-and-greet with fans after the show.