Thierry Mechler

• Born — 1962 • Birthplace — Mulhouse, France • Occupation — * Classical organist • Music educator • Awards — Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

Thierry Mechler was born in Mulhouse in 1962 in Alsace. He learned the organ at 13 years old on the keyboards of his parish church. He studied music at Mulhouse, then at the conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Strasbourg in the organ class of Daniel Roth. At the same time, he studied piano with Hélène Boschi. In 1984, he perfected his skills in Paris with Jacques Taddei for improvisation and with Marie-Claire Alain for interprétation. He resides in Guebwiller with his wife, the German illustrator Suzanne Janssen-Mechler with whom he gives concerts, and his three children (2 sons, 1 daughter).

• Since 1984: Holder of the grand organs of the Prieuré de Thierenbach (68) • 1991–1999: Holder of the grand organ of the primatiale Saint-Jean de Lyon • 1992–1999: Organist and artistic counsellor of the auditorium Maurice-Ravel of Lyon • Since 2001: Conservator of the grand organ of the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra (Germany)

With the support of the rector of the basilica of Thierenbach, Canon Gérard Sifferlen, he created the Association des Amis de l'Orgue de Thierenbach (AOT) to promote the Organ of the Basilica by organizing sacred music concerts in the church. Today, he's the president of the association and rector Denis Simon is the vice-president. The AOT in partnership with the Haut-Rhin (Department) has organised "Musicales", recitals where Thierry Mechler played Bach, Vierne as well as personal compositions, alone or with his wife. In March 2007 he founded the ensemble "Tonalis", which brings together various instrumentalists, soloists and conservatory teachers, on the occasion of a concert presenting Bach's concertos, given as part of the Festival of the Dominicans of Haute-Alsace.

• Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres