Over 50 high schoolers in black suits and Carolina blue ties walked onto the Strathmore Hall stage to sing “Alto Rhapsody” this Saturday and Sunday. Men’s Chorus had the opportunity to perform with the National Philharmonic as part of the show “The Melodies of Brahms”.

Although the group only joined the Philharmonic for one of their three songs, they left a lasting impression on many audience members, including Bethesda native Alan Ehrlich. He didn’t know that the Men’s Chorus would be joining the Philharmonic, but said he was pleasantly surprised with the addition and pleased with the performance.

Dr. Stan Engebretson, the choir director of the National Philharmonic, gave the choir the opportunity to perform, according to chorus director Jeff Davidson. Engebretson approached Davidson earlier in the fall to offer up the unique chance to perform with his choir.

Opera singer Denyce Graves accompanied the performance, which added another layer to the complexity and beauty of the song.

“She’s very talented, it was definitely a humbling experience,” junior Issac Gamoran, a member of the Men’s Chorus said. “It was really cool, especially because the Strathmore music hall is really large.”

The men have been working on the song during class to prepare, but had very little time to put it together with the National Philharmonic.

“Dr. Engebretson came in and worked with the boys last week for only one day,” Davidson said. “Then we rehearsed it with the adults last week twice.”
Despite the little time to prepare, Davidson was excited and thought the performance went well.

“It was very exciting,” he said. “I was very proud that they had the opportunity to stand on a professional stage and perform with a professional group.”