Granddaughter of Maria Von Trapp Calls Gaga's OSCAR Performance 'Exquisite'

In a new commentary featured in The Independent, Elisabeth Von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria and the Baron, shares her thoughts on the upcoming 50th Anniversary of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and reveals her "favorite things" about belonging to The Sound of Music family.

"Fifty years ago next month, the FLIGHT of the Von Trapp family across the Austrian Tyrol to avoid facing Nazi tyranny became universally known through the film The Sound of Music," begins the Von Trapp family member. "Of course, the so-called escape was partially myth - they left for Italy quite legally, by train, on a concert tour - but for me there has been no escape from the iconic musical that swept to Oscar success. And for that I am eternally grateful: to be a von Trapp has always been a privilege."

She continues, "The personal life-affirming decision by Baron Georg Johannes von Trapp, his second wife, Maria, and their nine children (including my father, Werner, who is called Kurt in the script), to abandon their country spoke a truth to the world that still resonates in the many hearts that have come to know their story. This truth continues to be discussed and celebrated - and it hinges on love."

Elisabeth goes on to comment on Sunday night's celebration of the film, which included a stunning performance of a medley of songs by Lady Gaga. She comments, "I must say that I thought Lady Gaga's celebration at the Oscars was exquisite - her voice being perfect for the medley - and beautifully choreographed. Her rendition once again highlighted the beauty and timelessness of Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece: The Sound of Music."

Read the feature in full here and watch Lady Gaga's OSCAR performance below:

Twentieth Century Fox will honor the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 box office smash and five-time Academy Award-winning The Sound of Music with an unprecedented year-long, company-wide celebration highlighted by theatrical and home entertainment releases, and a slate of cross-company and promotional partnerships that will bring one of the world's most 'favorite things' to millions around the globe.

The unparalleled golden anniversary of the film's premiere will launch March 2 in the United Kingdom and March 10 in the United States with the release of the 5-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition 50th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD. Beautifully restored, the 5-disc 50th Anniversary Blu-ray features over 13 hours of bonus content highlighted by the all-new documentary "The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg," detailing Andrews' recent return to the magical city where she filmed her iconic role, Maria, half a century ago.

Photo courtesy of ABC