We’re excited to feature Wayne, PA native Christian Mechem on our upcoming concert WEST CHESTER PARTNERS on November 6th and 9th when we will be premiering his piece The Dawn is Full of Nightmares for flute, clarinet, electric guitar, cello, vibraphone. Christian currently studies composition at West Chester University. Let’s get to know him!
What has your journey been like up to this point? What is your musical background?
I began writing music in 2009, at the age of 12. Throughout high school, I composed for multiple rock bands, and drew influence from genres such as: classical music, jazz, metal, and progressive rock. I received my B.A. at Franklin and Marshall College (in Lancaster, PA) studying independently with the classical composer John Carbon.
Between my undergraduate and Masters degree:
I organized two professional recordings for Wind Duet (featuring instrumentalists from the Philly Pops, and Opera Philadelphia)
I received two score publications with Alea Publishing
I studied composition under the French Composer Samuel Andreyev.
I worked as a signed touring musician (co-writing music with the Progressive Metal Band: The Stone Eye)
I had my first premiere with a professional orchestra in 2020 (by the Allegro Orchestra)
I received my first commission in 2023, composing for the Pittsburgh-based ensemble Kamraton
What are you listening to right now?
Tigran Hamasyan - Levitation 21 - Tigran Hamasyan is a genius, and a pioneering modern composer. I highly recommend his music to all rising composition students.
George Crumb - Star Child - George Crumb will always hold a special place in my heart. This piece specifically carries a torch that Charles Ives lit back in the early 20th century, with pieces such as The Unanswered Question and Central Park In The Dark.
Stravinsky - Symphony of Wind Instruments - This piece is a brilliant example of efficient orchestration, somber homophony, and careful manipulation of perceived tempo.
Charles Ives - The Housatonic at Stockbridge - This composition is absolutely haunting, specifically the arrangement for voice and piano. This piece executes a conceptual and sonic juxtaposition that I believe is unmatched to this day.
Between the Buried and Me - “The Blue Nowhere” - I’ve been really into this album (and song) recently. I love progressive metal, it definitely influences my approach to classical composition.
Where can we follow your journey?
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianMechem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.mechem/
Bandcamp: https://christianmechem.bandcamp.com/album/three-omens
You have two chances to hear Christian’s piece The Dawn is Full of Nightmares performed by the Network ensemble - November 6th at West Chester University and November 9th at Settlement Music School in Germantown.