It’s 10 years since Steven Mead first visited the city Rostov in the south of Russia, close to the Sea of Azov on the banks of the Don River.

Return

Back in 2001 at the invitation of Vadim Vilinov, the conductor of the Edzik State Wind Orchestra, Steve gave a masterclass and recital at the Music Conservatoire, an event that proved such a success he was invited to return two years later.

Now he has just returned from his most recent visit, sponsored by Besson Musical Instruments, again at the invitation of Vadim, who was celebrating two memorable events in his own career — his appointment as principal conductor of the Rostov Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and his last official concert with the outstanding Wind Orchestra that he had built up over twelve years.

Vibrant city

The vibrant city proved to be a wonderful backdrop for Steve’s visit, with an enthusiastic audience of over 150, including many young people, for his first masterclass

A number of professors from the Conservatoire also attended, whilst extra seats had to be found as the general public came in their droves to hear Steve perform a 90 minute recital accompanied by Vadim’s wife, the renowned pianist, Svetlana Vilinov.

Amazing achievement

With works by Paginini, Wickman, Piazzolla, Horovitz and Sparke, Steve received an extended standing ovation – an amazing achievement given that the euphonium is still not a widely known instrument in this area of the vast Russian country.

Two days later Steve led another masterclass and concert to mark the end of Vadim’s official reign as principal conductor of the Wind Orchestra.

It was amazing. The week was quite incredible, with the thirst for high quality music making a revelationSteven Mead

Celebrations

He led the Rostov Philharmonic Orchestra through superb performances of Dvorak’s ‘Carnival Overture’, a Mozart piano concerto and, for the first time in the orchestra’s history, Mahler’s ‘5th Symphony’.

With the week long celebrations still in full flow, a final concert was provided with Steve as guest soloist, where the euphonium virtouoso performed ‘Bliss’ by Hermann Pallhuber, as well as Puccini’s ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, Mantia’s show stopping variations on ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and Jim Gourlay’s transcription of ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Incredible

Steve told 4BR: "It was amazing. The week was quite incredible, with the thirst for high quality music making a revelation. Dozens of enthusiasts packed the corridors backstage of the concert hall to meet and have a chat and a photograph.

It was incredibly inspiring, even though by the end of it I was totally exhausted!"

Steve now believes southern Russia is definitely ‘on the map’, for the euphonium as a conservatoire instrument of choice.

Best things

"If I can help to build the interest in the euphonium each time I visit, it will be one of the best things I have ever been a part of. The enthusiasm is simply amazing. I really do hope it helps give an impetus for brass education in Rostov and surrounding cities."