Well-wishes from Kirke Mechem

I (Dr. Mahraun) received an email Saturday, May 17, from Kirke Mechem--the composer of "Time". He and I corresponded several years ago when I was writing my doctoral dissertation. I was analyzing and writing about eight different works for chorus and baritone solo, and Mechem's "Time" was one of those pieces. Here is a portion of his email in which he talks about his Lindsborg & Bethany connections:

Dear Daniel:
I just learned that your Bethany College Choir will soon embark on its European tour. Congratulations! I thank you for including "Time," and wonder if you know the Lindsborg connection in my family. When my father retired as executive director of the Kansas State Historical Society in Topeka, he and my mother moved to Lindsborg. They both sang in the performances of Messiah and St. Matthew Passion, and very much enjoyed the music and art in that remarkable town. They used to joke that they were going to change their name to Mechstrom. I always enjoyed my visits to Lindsborg.
I wish you all success on this most interesting tour that you have planned. I do not have a good recording of the published version of "Time," and would appreciate receiving a copy of your tour program CD if you make one.
Gute Reise (or whatever that is in Swedish)
Kirke

I might also mention that Mechem's first published work, "Make a Joyful Noise", is dedicated to Rolf Espeseth--conductor of the Bethany Choir from 1951-1955.