American composer Kirke Mechem (b. 1925) has a history of involvement with American Choral Directors Association, having been honored at three national conferences for his choral music and also being commissioned to write “Dan-u-el” for another. He has just completed a new work for the Advent and Christmas season which, by 2021, we hope will allow for live music again. Mr. Mechem is looking for a group to commit to a performance next season. Befana: A Christmas Fable is based on an Italian legend about an old woman named Befana who, according to the story, missed an opportunity to accompany the Wise Men to Bethlehem to see Baby Jesus. To compensate, on Epiphany night each year, she now flies on her broom, taking gifts to every house where young children live.
The work is scored for mezzo-soprano (or soprano) soloist, SATB choir, children’s choir, and tenor, baritone, and bass soloists with chamber orchestra. There is also a vocal-piano score. This choral theater piece is about 36 minutes long and would be suited to a community or a church choral community. Mechem says he has “chosen simplicity of expression” in writing the work and it is very approachable. The libretto is in English and the orchestra is small.
For detailed information about Kirke Mechem’s publications, please go to www.kirkemechem.com. If you are specifically interested in considering Befana: A Christmas Fable for your choral program for the 2021-2022 year, please e-mail the composer directly.
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