*
banner

Fantastic Rome reception for Sparke premiere

Philip Sparke's latest Euphonium Concerto has gained a fantastic response after its world premiere given by Steven Mead.

Italy
  Steven gave the world premiere with the Italian Brass Band in Rome

Besson euphonium star Steven Mead recently returned from a critically acclaimed concert weekend in Rome where he premiered Philip Sparke's new 'Euphonium Concerto'.

Titled, 'Omaggio' it is the composer's fourth major concerto for the instrument, with the premiere given in collaboration with the Italian Brass Band directed by Filippo Cangiamila.

The concert was enthusiastically received by a packed audience at the Auditorium Delle Fornaci, just a few hundred metres from Rome's iconic St. Peter's Square, whilst the event itself gained widespread media attention.

Commission

Commissioned by Steven, 'Omaggio' was composed in the second half of 2021. He has previously given premieres of Philip's three other concerto works over the last 30 years.

It not only marked a further musical bond between the composer and artist, but also marked Steven's 60th birthday. It was written as a tribute to his father Rex Mead who died in January 2021, aged 90.

Steven told 4BR: "Rex was arguably my most ardent supporter, adviser and critic, as well as being a wonderful father. He and my mother Sylvia cared so much for their children, planning and organising everything around us.

His was a strong faith and he spent all his brass band playing years within the Salvation Army, playing horn, baritone, trombone, then finally for his last 10 years, the euphonium, so I felt it appropriate the new concerto reflected that."

The reception at the end from the audience was very special indeed and will live with me for a very long timeSteven Mead

Timeline

Steven revealed that the work is something of a timeline of his father's life; from early sporting endeavours to marriage, children and maturity with his beloved Sylvia always by his side.

"The thread is provided by the use of the hymn tune 'Helmsley',"Steven said, "which was often sung in services and was a favourite of his. It makes for a very emotional moment towards the end of the work celebrating a fine life of giving and love."

Steven added: "The reception at the end from the audience was very special indeed and will live with me for a very long time.

Italian audiences have always been so supportive and it was therefore wonderful to have given the premiere with the outstanding Italian Brass Band right in the heart of Rome."

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    


Besson Horizons

New Horizons Exchange links UK and Swiss youth again

June 6 • The Besson Horizon programme will once again see youngsters from the National Youth Bands of Great Britain and Switzerland enjoy reciprocal musical trips.


British Open

High demand for premium tickets for British Open

June 5 • Premium tickets for the British Open are starting to become increasingly limited — so don't miss out.


Chav Brass

Chav Brass set for serious fun at Whit Friday

June 5 • The scallywags of the Whit Friday circuit will be performing with serious ambition this year as they seek to inspire the next generation with a mix of DJ Sammy and Eric Ball...


Whit Friday

2025 Tameside Whit Friday details confirmed

June 4 • From start times to prize money, contact details and essential information — the details of the Tameside Whit Friday contests have been announced.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


HYDE BAND

June 5 • WE CURRENTLY HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES FOR BB BASS, BARITONE & EUPHONIUM. Join our friendly 1st Section Band in the New forest, working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contests. Rehearsals Mon & Thurs 8-10


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd