The hills are still alive with the Sound of Music. Well, they certainly are for the Von Trapp Children, the great-grandchildren of the legendary Captain Von Trapp, father of the famous singing family who captivated audiences in one of the world's most popular musicals.

And the current Von Trapp flock, Sofia, Melanie, Amanda and Justin have certainly inherited their forefathers musical talent.

And as Melanie admits, music and performing is a rights of passage in the Von Trapp family, thanks to a little push from their grandfather.

"We decided to start singing because we used to sing together when we were little and our grandfather, who played Kurt in the Sound of Music, would come to Montana where we lived and teach us songs and sing with us.

"But then one day he had a stroke so we decided to make a CD for him to listen to because he could not come and see us. That CD turned into an actual CD and six years later things have really taken off for us."

However, Melanie revealed that despite the family's rich musical tradition, the children's parents were a little wary about the foursome entering the business.

"When we first started, our parents were apprehensive about us doing music so there was no pressure on us to become involved. But now everyone in our family has been really supportive. It's been incredible that everything has worked out for us."

The worldwide success of the Sound of Music has brought notoriety to the Von Trapp clan. But as Melanie says, the success of the musical and the impact it has had on millions across the world still amazes them.

"The Sound of Music has been such an inspiration for people from the USA to Asia. It's great how totally different cultures love it and it's amazing to be part of that heritage."

But Melanie insists that being part of such a rich history does not weigh on their minds.

"It's such an honour to be part of it that and we don't want to leave it behind. It's a blessing, not a burden and above all else we really have a lot of fun."

And like most siblings all over the world their time on the road does not go without their fair share on squabbles.

"We are on the road nine months straight at times and most of the time we get along - because we are literally like best friends. But of course as siblings we argue but most of the time we have great fun."

  • The Von Trapp Children; Saturday, May 26. £19.50, £64 for family ticket; 020 8668 9291, fairfield.co.uk.