‘Brothers Sing On!’ brings together generations

By Lisa Moore
Hometown Weekly Correspondent

Wellesley High School recently presented “Brothers Sing On!”, an all-male a cappella festival hosted by the Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus. This unique concert brought together talented male singers young and old, all united by a shared love of a cappella music.

“Saengerfest” is a German word that means “singer festival,” and it is appropriate that this group of men, who are celebrating their 25th year, host this annual event.

Former Wellesley resident Linus Travers is the compere, or master of ceremonies, for Saengerfest concerts. He humorously filled the transitions between performances, keeping the show running smoothly, introducing each group, and providing insight into the song selections presented.

The BSMC opened the show singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” enthusiastically joined by the nearly sold-out crowd that was then treated to two hours of a cappella music. The BSMC, made up of approximately 70 singers based in the Greater Boston area, performed two songs, “Shenandoah,” and “The Morse Code of Love.” They were followed by the Handel and Hayden Society Young Men’s Chorus, which performed “Good Old A Cappella” and “Ride the Chariot.” Sound Investment, a sub group of the BSMC, performed two selections, followed by the Wellesley High School Men’s Chorus, which performed “Naturally,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Drift Away.”

The featured performers of the afternoon were The Yale Whiffenpoofs. The Whiffenpoofs are the oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group, founded in 1909. This year’s group of seniors performed a selection of hits from their repertoire, including “Nature Boy,” “House of the Rising Sun,” and their signature song, “The Whiffenpoof Song,” during which they were joined onstage by Whiffenpoof alumni from the audience.

The show culminated with all the performers - young and old, professionals and novices - joining on stage, group members intermingled on the risers, joining their voices in song. Together, they performed two numbers: “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” and the finale, “Brothers Sing On,” a song that epitomized the collegiality of the afternoon.

It was an opportunity to celebrate music - a true Saengerfest.