Kirke Mechem has earned the title “Dean of American Choral Composers” – in addition to being a master of opera and symphonic music. In August of this year, he celebrated his 100th birthday. Artistic Director Christian Grube has invited the Chorale – and you – to join the celebration as we perform three of Mechem’s works in Christmas with the Chorale.
Mechem’s Gloria, a motet combining English and Latin, adapts an anonymous 15th century text. Mechem wrote that he hoped to combine the easy comprehension of English with the beautiful sounds and ancient resonances of Latin. Gloria is both ethereal and timeless.
Seven Joys of Christmas, a carol suite Mechem wrote in 1966, was dedicated to his mentor Randall Thompson, another great American choral composer. From this suite, Christian Grube has selected two joys we can all agree on. The Joy of Love uses the text of an ancient English carol This is the Truth, tenderly describing Christ’s love for humanity and the lessons we can take from it in caring for each other. The Joy of Dance sparkles in the irrepressible Fum, Fum, Fum!
Kirke Mechem’s choral music employs the complex techniques of late 20th century composition, such as unusual modulations (key changes) and time signatures. For example, This is the Truth is partly in 5/4 time, just like Dave Brubeck’s jazz classic Take Five. But in Mechem’s hands, the result is never edgy or harsh. As one of our singers said recently, “It is tender, then joyful, and always, always beautiful.”
Mechem’s memoir Believe Your Ears: Life of a Lyric Composer, published when he was 91, won a major award for outstanding musical biography. At its close, he reflects on the life-affirming value of all kinds of art, and ends with these words:
“A work of art is a celebration of humanity – not only the humanity of its creator, but of the capacity of all humans to understand, to love and to be nourished by art. This phenomenon is a kind of miracle, which we must forever treasure.”
Join us for Christmas with the Chorale as we celebrate the musical art of Kirke Mechem!
Saturday December 20, 2025 8:00 pm
Sunday December 21, 2025 4:00 pm
Holy Cross Church
126 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tickets: General $35, Seniors $30, Students/Kids $5
For Saturday concert only, 4 or more tickets: $20 each
Tickets can be purchased at: https://santacruzchorale.org/tickets/