As 2008 was coming to a close, a couple of Steven’s solo recordings received awards in the band press. In particular the Audacious double CD, won a clean sweep of solo awards in Brass Band world, the British Bandsman and finally from 4barsrest. Also receiving mention was his highly acclaimed CD with the well-known Spanish Brass Quintet. With the groundbreaking tours to Argentina, Taiwan, and two highly successful visits to Japan amongst his travels 2008 seemed to be the busiest year in his illustrious career.
But with a virtually full diary for 2009 there seems to be an increasing demand for his talents both as a soloist, teacher and conductor.
On the conducting front he enjoys an excellent relationship with the Sound Inn Brass (Austria) and the Scottish brass band champions Whitburn. This is set to continue as he leads Whitburn at the Scottish regional championships at the end of March. To coincide with this will be the release of a brand new solo CD he has made with them entitled Euphonium Fantasy, which has as its major works are the astonishing ‘Rococo Variations’ (for cello ) by Tchaikovsky arranged by Thomas Rüedi, ‘Vintage’ by the American David Gillingham, and the ‘Carmen Variations’ in an arrangement by Luc Vertommen.
The Belgian Luc Vertommen is also behind another recording project that Steven is involved with later in the year, when he will record the virtuoso brass solos of the 19th century composer Jules Demersseman. Luc has rediscovered, edited and restored these pieces and the new performing editions will also be published by the end of this year. By this time Steven’s incredible diary for 2009 will have been realized which includes visits to Switzerland, a return visit to play with the Breeze Brass band in Japan, a concerto with the New Philharmonic Orchestra in Frankfurt, a new Masters in Brass course with Marty Erikson, Wycliffe Gordon and Chris Jaudes in Florida which culminates and in a concert with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. Other highlights include concerts and a CD recording with the New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army, and a visit to the Mississauga Temple Band in Toronto, with masterclasses around Toronto. He flies to Seoul, South Korea to play the Rolf Rudin ‘Hallows’ Concerto with the Jeju Philharmonic Orchestra. There are also masterclasses and courses in Trakai,(Lithuania), Roma and Palermo (Italy), and a solo concert with professional brass players in Zagreb Croatia. In addition to this Steve continues his extensive involvement with Besson, with research and testing with all the new Besson Instruments. This involves twice monthly visits to Germany to the production factory in Markneukirchen and close liaison with Buffet Crampon headquarters in Paris. His extensive work at the RNCM also continues where he has this year students from the UK, Malta, China and Luxembourg.
Steven has a new Concert Manager , and all enquiries for future engagements, concerts and masterclasses as well as conducting projects can be directed to Reda Jankauskaite at the following email address: 1stevenmead@gmail.com
Keep visiting this site for up to date information on Steve’s concerts as well as articles, CD listings, tour blogs and more.
Steve has just updated the events page of his website and we will be adding a lot more detail in the days to come. So, if you want to attend a concert or workshop or arrange a private lesson, take a look to see when and where might be convenient.
