Euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead will shortly begin a three-week tour of Australia, which will culminate at the final Melbourne Festival of Brass, where he is to perform alongside international brass stars Wycliffe Gordon, Rex Richardson, Mnozil Brass Oystein Baasvik and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Premiere

Whilst in Melbourne, Steve will give the world premiere of the brass band version of Kenneth Downie's ‘Mozart Variations’ with the Melbourne Staff Band of the Salvation Army, as well as perform in concert with the Royal Australian Navy Band.

The busy itinerary will also see him perform a recital with the outstanding Polish pianist Kasia Wieczorek, whilst the tour will begin in Sydney where he will give workshops and masterclasses as well as a series of high profile concerts, including one with the Sydney Youth Wind Orchestra.

Masterclasses

From Sydney, Steve moves to Brisbane where he will perform a concert with Brisbane Brass, visit several other brass bands and give masterclasses at the Queensland Conservatory.

He will finally team up with popular baritone virtuoso Kristy Rowe and Gunnedah Shire Band to help produce her new CD.

I've done a lot of travelling again this year but this visit to Australia is very special. It looks to have a lot of musical highlights which I will cherish in the years to comeSteven Mead

Special

Steve told 4BR: "I've done a lot of travelling again this year but this visit to Australia is very special. It looks to have a lot of musical highlights which I will cherish in the years to come."