American baritone, pianist, and composer Billy Kirchen has been heralded by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch and Harold Prince for his consummate artistry and lyricism that span two continents–North America and Asia. He appeared in New York City with a bravura performance alongside Natalie Cole at New York City Center and with Dolly Parton in Minneapolis. Mr. Kirchen launched the world premiere of his The World’s Our Playground in Tochigi-Ken, Japan. Most recently, he was commissioned by his almamater Marquette High School to compose a piece of music for their 150th Celebration and by the City of Milwaukee to write their Anti-Graffiti Anthem. He performed his music at the 2003 USA Gymnastics Championships, 2003 All-Star Indoor Soccer Games and most recently for the Donald Driver Foundation. Other engagements include a recital for Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum, and he and his compositions have been featured at the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Mr. Kirchen’s national theatre and vocal credits include: Oscar in Marc Blitzstein’s Regina; the Prince in The Little Mermaid; Cinderella, and La Boheme, all with Great Lakes Opera Company. He headlined the North American premier of Damn Tango with Theatre Tesseract. He was also a featured soloist with the Boca Raton Pops Orchestra. He has performed at countless venues in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami. Since founding the Prayer for a Nation choir in 2001, Mr. Kirchen has gained recognition as a leader in working with children. He has devised and directed musical theater education programs for Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Milwaukee and has toured with the choir to both New York City and Minneapolis.

Mr. Kirchen began his professional career early on as a member of the Kids from Wisconsin touring ensemble. At age five he began studying piano under Adelaide Banaszynski at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. He studied voice with Adele Borouchoff at the University of Wisconsin, where he received a bachelor of French, and in Los Angeles under Seth Riggs.