To round off another busy year, euphonium star Steven Mead will be heading to the USA, Hong Kong and Japan in December, starting in Michigan with Brass Band of Battle Creek, where he will perform two Christmas concerts next weekend.

New American duet

Steve will be meeting up with conductor Michael Garasi, who will direct the brass band premiere of a new duet featuring trumpet star Chris Jaudes entitled, ‘Ascension’, written by composer Tom Davoren’.

Then it’s off to Hong Kong to give a recital and masterclass as well as conduct and perform with a new brass band entitled Festival Brass. He will also play at concert at the Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts.

Japan

Finally, the last leg of the journey will see him head to Hiroshima in Japan, to work with the University Wind Orchestra and perform the ‘Diamond Concerto’, composed for him by Philip Sparke.

Whilst in Japan he will also give a masterclass in Osaka and perform with the Phoenix Euphonium ensemble – something he is really looking forward to.

Outstanding

Steve told 4BR: "I’ve heard this group before and they are outstanding – and all playing Besson euphoniums too! I will be performing the final movement of the ‘Euphonium Concerto’ by Vladimir Cosma with them, as well as other contrasting works and some ensemble pieces."

Finally, there will be a quick bullet train ride to Tokyo to take part in a special concert organised and starring euphonium player and teacher Ryuji Ushigami, before a first visit to meet the family of his fiancé Misa in Kumamoto.

Christmas Eve

The pair will arrive back in the UK mid-evening on Christmas Eve, for a short break of a day or so before the start of rehearsals with pianist Tomoko Sawano, for two CD recordings at the beginning of January.

Steve added: "It's been quite a year, with new experiences both musical and otherwise. I feel very blessed to be doing what I do with the euphonium, and being able to travel the world and meet so many wonderful people is something that I never take for granted."

Looking ahead to 2014, there are some very exciting events on the horizon, including my wedding on March 22nd, so another busy year is already in the diary!Steven Mead

Looking ahead

He added: "Looking ahead to 2014, there are some very exciting events on the horizon, including my wedding on March 22nd, so another busy year is already in the diary!”

Steve’s latest CD entitled 'Pearls', with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, will be released at the beginning of February.