French euphonium star Bastien Baumet has just returned from a ground-breaking tour to Costa Rica, where he was invited to give performances and masterclasses at the prestigious Instituto Nacional de la Musica.

Although the euphonium is not a well known brass band instrument in the country, the growing wind band movement is keen to explore its artistic possibilities, so with support from Buffet Crampon, the Besson artist flew to the country to showcase its wide-ranging abilities.

More important

Bastien told 4BR: "The euphonium is not that well known, but there are moves to make it a much more important part of the musical landscape. Costa Rica has seven professional wind bands and they wish to give the euphonium a more prominent role in what they do."

He added: "There were certainly a number of very good players at the masterclasses I gave at the Instituto Nacional de la Musica and I also enjoyed a great deal of wonderful support for my recital which featured Cosma's 'Euphonium Concerto'.

I had a fantastic time with the wind bands and was so encouraged by the desire to really make the euphonium a leading instrument of study and performance."

Professor

4BR understands that since Bastien's visit the Institute's Director is working to appoint a Professor of Euphonium, whilst the French star has already been invited back next year to work with the National Orchestra of Costa Rica.

Bastien concluded: "I was so impressed by the passion for music and humbled by the warmth of their welcome. Musicians here are very generous, motivated, and willing to do everything possible to help the euphonium became a major part of the country's music making."

Costa Rica has seven professional wind bands and they wish to give the euphonium a more prominent role in what they doBastien Baumet

World premiere

He told 4BR that he will now set his sights on a world premiere of a new work by composer Peter Meechan for his forthcoming tour to Japan, alongside a new commission from French composer Olivier Calmel.