Arts & Entertainment
Boston Children’s Chorus Annual Tribute Concert Reminds the Community What Dr. King Fought For
Grammy Award-winner Patti Austen and teen stars Kyle and Christopher Massey helped honor Dr. King's legacy.
The renowned Boston Children’s Chorus sang the words and dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, the same stage Dr. King spoke on in 1956 pleading for people to come together and break down racial boundaries.
“It’s about getting Dr. King’s message out to everyone to keep it going and keep his accomplishments present,” explained Megan Fitton, 15, who has performed with the BCC’s Premier Choir for three years.
Special guest host Grammy winner Patti Austen joined Kyle and Christopher Massey at Monday's concert and spoke of how Dr. King's work affected her life. All three performed original songs honoring the day of remembrance.
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All songs performed at the concert held a deep meaning and were inspired by the Civil Rights Act. Among them were the songs “Ain’t Going Let Nobody Turn Me Around” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
“In a city that had such racial issues 50 years ago, music brings them together,” said proud mother Janet Duval at Monday's performance.
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Tears filled her eyes as she discussed the importance of Dr. King's work and its impact on her 9-year-old daughter.
“She understands a little more of the history and understand she can walk into any place and hold her head up high and be judged on our character and not the color of our skin," she said.
The event was equally moving to those performing.
“When you look out into the stands and see the faces in the crowd and see their amazement and happiness you can tell you’ve affected them in some way,” said 14-year-old Zachary of the BCC Young Men’s Ensemble. “It makes me feel good inside.”
The Boston Children’s Chorus partnered with WCVB-TV Channel 5 to air the concert live, where it reached an estimated 5 million viewers, according to the BCC website. The concert will be re-broadcast on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. on WCVB-TV Channel 5.
Click here for more information on the Boston Children's Chorus, located on Shawmut Ave. in the South End.