Lynn teen to sing for King tonight

LYNN – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech outlining his dream that one day all men would truly be treated as equals. Nearly 47 years later, 17-year-old Chris Barreda, of Lynn, is using his vocal talents with the Boston Children?s Chorus to celebrate King?s life and perpetuate that dream.Tonight, the Boston Children?s Chorus will hold its Seventh Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert at New England Conservatory?s Jordan Hall.?The reason for this concert, and like many others, is to use the power of music to bring communities closer together,” Barreda said. “What I have learned in this event is how well we all can really connect with others just by using (our) singing voices together as one.”This is the second time Barreda, a junior at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, will participate in the MLK Tribute Concert since he joined the Chorus six years ago. The purpose of the Chorus? signature event is to reinforce and remind society about the important social significance of the holiday.?I really hope that everybody will think differently about other races in a more respecting way,” Barreda said.The songs represent the values of peace and equality that King was such an advocate for, and singers are a diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic collection of youths between, the ages of 7 and 18, who work together to create music to help break down barriers, build friendships, alliances, self-confidence and hope.Barreda said he has made many friends through his participation in the chorus and he is looking forward to the energy that fills him when he is on stage before an audience.?It feels a little weird and (I am) probably a little nervous at some points,” Barreda said of performing. “(But) I just want to sing it out.”Barreda has been singing and taking vocal lessons for seven years and has sung in more than two dozen performances throughout the state. He plans to finish school with a trade, but also plans on further pursuing music.The concert takes place at 7 p.m. at the New England Conservatory?s Jordan Hall, 290 Huntington Ave., Boston. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25 and are available at www.bostonchildrenschorus.org. Tickets are also available for the 2 p.m. dress rehearsal for $15 each.