Steven Mead will be heading to Russia this weekend to perform in St Petersburg and Moscow as a featured soloist in a series of concerts in memory of the renowned Russian military music director, Valery Khalilov.

The Valery Khalilov International Music Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation's Spasskaya Tower, and includes concerts by bands and youth ensembles as well as masterclasses by internationally regarded musicians.

Great Patriotic War

Khalilov was the founder and architect of the military tattoo movement in Russia. Today, festivals are held from Sevastopol to Sakhalin every year.

This year the festival has a special significance, as it marks the 75th anniversary of victory in what Russians refer to as 'The Great Patriotic War'.

The Besson artist's trip will begin with his first visit to St. Petersburg, where he will perform with the famous Admiralty Orchestra. After the concert he will give a masterclass for musicians from local music conservatories alongside leading military musicians, before his hosts will take him on a special sightseeing tour of the historic city.

The following day he will travel to Moscow to provide a masterclass at the Balakirev Academy as well as being given another special invitation tour — this time of the Kremlin. Steven will be the featured brass soloist at the Vegas City Hall in Moscow for the main festival concert.

Russia has a long and proud tradition of brass music making and continues to hold its performance in the highest regardSteven Mead

Honoured

Speaking to 4BR he said: "I feel very honoured to be asked to provide masterclasses and to be featured in such as high profile commemorative concert.

Russia has a long and proud tradition of brass music making and continues to hold its performance in the highest regard.

I'm looking forward to meeting the students and musicians and excited to be invited to see inside such iconic buildings as the Kremlin."

Steven revealed that he has been asked to perform repertoire such as 'Napoli', 'Carnival of Venice', 'Preghiera', 'Fantasy' and 'Capriccio di Niccolo'.

Delighted

He added: "I performed some of these works at the Rotterdam Military Tattoo in 2018 where there were representatives from Russia in the audience.

Since then I've enjoyed speaking to them to get this trip in my diary — and now I'm delighted that it is taking place."