1. Home
2. Culture
3. The Sound of Music: One Movie, Countless Lives, Sixty Years of Emotion

Sixty years after its release, The Sound of Music continues to stir hearts around the world. Through special exhibitions in Salzburg, a stunning 4K restoration, and the unveiling of rare archives, the legacy of this enduring masterpiece reminds us of a time when cinema had the power to lift us to emotional heights.

We all remember that iconic image: a silhouette spinning atop alpine meadows, arms wide open beneath a boundless blue sky. Picture March 2, 1965—the day The Sound of Music premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in New York. And now, six decades later, its charm remains as vibrant as ever. Years may have passed, but the first notes of “Do-Re-Mi” or “Edelweiss” still stir something bright within us. This is more than a film—it’s woven into our shared emotional memory.

A new Sound of Music generation continues to grow, renewing itself and bridging the gap between those who saw the film in 1965 and children discovering it today.

Based on the Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway musical, itself inspired by Maria von Trapp’s memoirs, The Sound of Music is a timeless tribute to freedom, resistance, and the quiet power of feminine courage. Directed by Robert Wise, it was an instant success, earning five Academy Awards and becoming the highest-grossing film of its time—surpassing even Gone With the Wind.

To mark its 60th anniversary, the archives of 20th Century Fox have been opened to the public, thanks to Concord Theatricals and the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. Sixty never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos from the 1964 production have been released online. They offer a rare glimpse into the magic of its making—Julie Andrews laughing between takes, Christopher Plummer deep in his script, and crew members perched in trees to capture that unforgettable opening shot.

It’s impossible to talk about The Sound of Music without mentioning Salzburg, the Austrian city forever tied to the film and now the heart of its celebration. Since March 2025, visitors can explore Schloss Leopoldskron, which served as the exterior of the von Trapp villa, and immerse themselves in The Sound of Music Salzburg – Insight and Outlook exhibition. Here, Hollywood meets history: original costumes, vintage posters, diary entries, and exclusive screenings bring the story to life. The entire city has embraced the occasion with outdoor performances, themed concerts, film-inspired menus, and guided tours of iconic locations. From the Mirabell Gardens to Nonnberg Abbey, visitors retrace the footsteps of Maria and the von Trapp children—humming those unforgettable melodies that span generations.

The celebration continues with a newly restored 4K version of the film—an invitation to rediscover the grandeur of the Alps, the delicate play of light and shadow, and the beauty of every musical moment. Special Blu-ray and streaming editions include exclusive bonus content, archive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage that enrich our understanding of the film’s creation.

Yes, The Sound of Music still resonates across generations. Each character remains powerfully symbolic: Maria, the spirited novice turned brave mother, embodies resilience. Captain von Trapp represents moral strength—his stern exterior softened by love and music, standing firm in the face of tyranny. The children embody hope—the dream of a world where kindness survives even in the darkest times.

We continue to listen to the soundtrack as if it were new. These songs—woven into countless memories—are reappearing in unexpected places: revived on TikTok, reimagined in jazz, brought to life by symphony orchestras. In 2025, new audiences are discovering them in fresh formats, joining the ever-growing Sound of Music generation—united through melody, memory, and emotion.

Looking back, The Sound of Music still speaks to urgent, universal questions. The von Trapp family’s escape across the Alps brings to mind the plight of refugees, the pain of displacement, and the enduring need to believe in the world’s light.

Sixty years later, the film remains a shared emotional landmark—an anchor through time. It is a lasting tribute to childhood, music, and hope. We remain suspended between past and present, carried by timeless melodies. The Sound of Music generation—diverse, ever-evolving—shares a collective shiver of nostalgia. Close your eyes. See Julie Andrews, arms wide to the wind, facing the mountains. And remember: sometimes, it only takes one song for the hills to come alive again.