Following his performance at the Gala Concert of the Norwegian National Championships last weekend, globetrotting euphonium star Steven Mead has quickly returned to undertake an exciting tour of some of the countries most prestigious universities.

Four day tour

The four day tour started in Bergen on Monday with a performance at the famous Grieg Academy, before moving onto give further recitals and workshops at the universities of Trondheim, Tromso and finally, Oslo.

Role

The tour is part of Steven’s role with Besson Musical Instruments, and has seen the euphonium star give a series of high profile recitals and masterclass workshops.

The enthusiasm and talent has been remarkable. Each of the masterclasses has been such a great experienceSteven Mead

Importance

Steven told 4BR: "The tour has given me the opportunity to find out more about the importance of low brass teaching in the country. The enthusiasm and talent has been remarkable. Each of the masterclasses has been such a great experience."

Steven has also given an hour long recital at each venue before undertaking tuition with individual students and conducting small low brass ensembles.

Busy period

The tour rounds off a busy period for the soloist, which saw him crisscross the North Sea after his performance at the Grieghallen on Saturday night. The next morning he took a 6.30am flight back to the UK, where he drove to Gateshead to perform with Ray Farr at The Sage in a solo performance with the Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Band.

Pick me up

"That was a real pick me up," Steve added. "Any tiredness soon disappeared when I walked onto the stage and was faced with over 1,000 people waiting to hear me play."

Then it was back on a plane to Bergen and the start of the first leg of his Norwegian Tour which ends today (Thursday) in Oslo, before another flight back to the UK in time for a concert in his hometown of Bournemouth with Vintage Brass on Saturday.

Rest

And just before he can contemplate a rest, it’s off to Italy and a concert in Milan first thing Monday morning. "Then I think I deserve a break," he said.