HISTORY
THE BEGINNING
On March 21, 1975, Santo Costa performed with a twelve-member group at the Cultural Center Casino in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium. This performance marked the beginning of a long and richly diverse career for The Sound of Music.
The band's musical style was heavily influenced by renowned artists such as Max Greger, James Last, and Glenn Miller.
The founding musicians, who remain members of The Sound of Music to this day, include saxophonist and chairman Roger Bielen, trumpeter and secretary Ludo Dreesen, trombonist and board member Walter Haest, and drummer Paul De Raeve. At the time, none of them could have anticipated the impressive track record of performances that would follow.
FIRST FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
From their fifth anniversary onward, they regularly organized musical show evenings, featuring performances by renowned guests as highlights. The orchestra underwent constant evolution, and despite numerous transformations, The Sound of Music has remained a harmonious ensemble, regularly invited to perform on both national and international stages.
ALBUMS
The first CD was released in 1994 to widespread enthusiasm from the audience. Following the overwhelming response from fans, the second CD, Springtime - Swingtime, was launched in 1997. The third CD, From US 2U, came out in 2003, and in 2009, they released a fourth CD, accompanied by their first-ever DVD.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
Over its 50-year history, the group has grown into an ensemble featuring four trumpeters, four trombonists, and five saxophonists, supported by two guitarists, a synthesizer, a bassist, and rhythm provided by a drummer and a percussionist. The entire ensemble is led by conductor Danny Vanroy.