*
banner

Azov welcome for Steven Mead

Steven Mead has just enjoyed a pioneering visit to Russia.

Mead
 

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."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


bRADOFRD

Bradford boost for Black Dyke Band

April 25 • The Yorkshire champion's involvement in Bradford's celebration as the UK City of Culture on Radio 2 has gained widespread plaudits.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd