The Boston Children’s Chorus

John Lewis

Martin Lutheer King Jr.

Boston Children’s Chorus 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. concert celebrates John Lewis

Once a year, the tones of high school, middle school and elementary school vocalists from around Boston soar to the ceiling of Symphony Hall as youth pay tribute to the great Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. This year, “Where Conscience Walked,” the 23rd annual concert performed by the Boston Children’s Chorus, will focus on the life and legacy of Georgia congressman John Lewis.

The musical and biographical program, designed by music director and conductor Kenneth Griffith II, is top secret until the day of the concert. But executive director Andrés Holder says audiences can expect to hear a mix of spirituals, popular songs from the Baby Boomer generation, hits from the radio today and more. His personal favorite is a rendition of “Make Your Own Kind of Music,” a 1969 hit by Cass Elliot [formerly of the pop group the Mamas and the Papas], that uplifts, while illustrating a particular period of Lewis’ life.

Civil Rights activism is baked into the bones of the organization. Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) was founded in 2002 by Hubert “Hubie” Eugene Jones, a civic leader here in Boston who worked for decades to increase neighborhood-based social services for children and low-income families.

“Racial integration was the pursuit at the time,” Holder said. “When the tribute concert to Dr. King emerged 23 years ago, you got to see what integration would look, feel, sound like, visibly on the stage.”

Twelve choirs will participate in the tribute concert, featuring youth performers between ages seven and 18 from a variety of backgrounds. Holder says that the organization goes beyond simple performance. During rehearsals, students have the opportunity to discuss how the issues of John Lewis’ life apply to the world today.

“BCC rehearsals always include a significant amount of dialogue that opens the door for young people to reflect on the content they’re experiencing in rehearsal when we’re preparing for a concert,” said Holder. “We’re bringing it down to their reality. Dialogue, history and contextualizing of the music is a big part of our artistic practice.”

This year BCC joined with Everyone250, Embrace Boston, the 56th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast and Project 351 to bring their annual events together under one umbrella: MLK Boston Beloved Community Weekend. Each organization planned its event around the theme of Beloved Community and Belonging. Throughout the weekend they’ll pass the proverbial baton between organizations to illustrate the depth of King’s impact here in Boston.

“Dr. King taught us that a beloved community is a discipline, not a destination,” said Embrace President and CEO Imari Paris Jeffries. “This weekend shows what it looks like when a city chooses to build that community in public together, across differences and without fear. Boston is stepping forward to tell the whole truth about who we are, to disrupt the narratives that divide us and to model the kind of collective courage the country needs right now.”

The 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert will be performed at Symphony Hall on Jan. 19. Tickets start at $24.99.

Though political times are trying, and many challenges from Lewis’ life will feel particularly poignant, Holder said he hopes the concert ultimately brings joy and hope to audiences.

“I don’t know how often you get to see a seven-year-old belting at the top of their lungs from a stage, but it’s a really joyful experience,” he said. “Seeing young people having fun and smiling and doing their fun little dances, it’s a balm for the soul.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more and purchase tickets at bostonchildrenschorus.org