Euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead has just returned from a visit to the state of Wisconsin in the USA, where he gave the world premiere of a new work by a leading American composer, played a two-hour recital and gave a concert with a brass band.

Port of call

His first port of call was at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where he was a guest artist, and in just four days, taught all the low brass students, both individually and at two masterclasses.

He also held a seminar with all the composers on the degree course, all of whom had been assigned this term to compose a contemporary work for euphonium.

Respected figure

There was a lecture to a general music class for non-musicians at the University and a question and answer session for all brass students. The organiser was Professor of Tuba, Dr Jerry Young, a highly respected figure in the low brass world.

The highlight of the time in Eau Claire came with a two-hour recital by Steven, the first half accompanied by piano and the second half by the University Wind Symphony, conducted by Peter Haberman.

World premiere

In the first half Steven gave the world premiere of a new work by the highly talented Ethan Wickman, Professor of Composition, entitled ‘Three Expeditions’.

Steven rates this new work very highly and told 4BR: “This is one of the most enjoyable modern works for euphonium I have ever played. It’s in three movements, ‘Strange Departures’, ’Moriah’ and ‘Olympus’ and once it’s widely available should be attempted by all serious euphonium players. It’s a stunning work and one that I’ll be recording on my new CD in December. Ethan has a real talent.”

All the students appreciated his candour and honesty and directness. The breadth of information about music in all its aspects he offered was very important to themDr Jerry Young

Praise

Dr. Jerry Young was full in his praise of Steven ‘s contribution to the University, telling 4BR: "All the students appreciated his candour and honesty and directness. The breadth of information about music in all its aspects he offered was very important to them. Also highly impressive was his professionalism and how he was a real performer in addition to being a fine musician."

On leaving Eau Claire, Steven travelled south to Racine, Wisconsin, performing for the third time in ten years with a large community brass band, The Belle City Brassworks.

Return

There was a large audience for the concert in which Steven played four solos including a new arrangement by local musician Ken Norman of the 3rd movement of the Mozart ‘Clarinet Concerto’.

From there it was directly back to the airport in Chicago and on arriving back in Heathrow, met up for a coffee with David Childs who had just returned from Toronto!

This coming weekend Steven is in Germany performing a solo recital with the Lithuanian pianist Asta Kvasyte and giving a two-day workshop for 30 local brass musicians in the region of Ida Oberstein, near Frankfurt.