Kirke Mechem

Kirke Mechem (Jr), born on 16 August 1925, is an American composer. He graduated from Topeka High School in Kansas in 1943 and was further educated at Stanford and Harvard Universities after WWII.

Although he has written works in many genres, including two symphonies, the bulk of his output involves the human voice. As well as numerous choral works, he has composed an opera (Tartuffe) which has been performed in six countries. Two further operas, The Newport Rivals (after Sheridan) and John Brown are respectively scheduled for performance by Lyric Opera San Diego in 2006 and Lyric Opera Kansas City 2007-8. He is reputed to be currently working on an opera based on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.

His father, Kirke Mechem, Sr. (Deceased), who also graduated from Topeka High, worked for the Kansas State Historical society for many years and wrote several books, as well as numerous poems, some of which his son has since put to music.

Operas
Tartuffe
John Brown
The Newport Rivals
Pride & Prejudice (opera)