*
banner

Mead returns to Belgium for latest CD partnership

Steven Mead has linked up with conductor Luc Vertommen and Brass Band Buizingen for his latest CD release.

Mead and Buizingen
 

A decade after he recorded his award-winning CD 'Euphonium Virtuoso' with Brass Band Buizingen, euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead recently made a welcome return to Belgium to once again link up with the band for his latest release (above).

Experts

The recording took place at the impressive Stromming Cultural Centre in Berlare, and included a number of works arranged by conductor Luc Vertommen, with the recording coming under the expert engineering skills of the renowned Richard Scott.

To be released this October, the CD will feature a welcome reprise of John Golland's 'Euphonium Concerto No.1' first performed by Steven in 1982, as well as 'Capriccio di Niccolo' by American composer Frank Proto, originally written for the celebrated trumpeter Doc Severinson and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Incredible

Steven told 4BR: "Luc has made an incredible transcription with the composer's permission of this 16 minute virtuoso fantasy on the famous Paganini theme. I'm sure audiences will absolutely love it!"

Steve also recorded another fearsome Paganini technical extravaganza 'La Campanella' — from his Violin Concerto No.2, which he admitted to 4BR may be the hardest technical work he has ever recorded in the studio.

Also included will be 'Michelangelo' (Dagsland), 'In Gardens of Peace' (Phillip Harper), 'The Auld Noost' (arr. Tony Swainson), and one of the most beautiful songs of Gustav Mahler, 'Ich bin der Welt' from his Ruckert-Lieder, that saw the addition of a harp and a church bell to the brass band score.

Other works come from the pens of American jazz virtuoso euphonium player David Bandman, Joseph Haydn, Stan Nieuwenhuis and Ruggero Leoncavallo.

The band even kept its concentration on the first night when the recording coincided with Belgium's EURO2016 match with Wales! Despite the result the band was still brilliant!Steven Mead

Godfather

Following the recording, Luc Vertommen told 4BR: "It was great to record with Steve and Buizingen once more. He really is the godfather of the euphonium and was in amazing form."

Steven meanwhile, returned the compliment: "The band's concentration and professionalism from start to finish was absolutely first-class — and it was a real pleasure to be involved with them.

The band even kept its concentration on the first night when the recording coincided with Belgium's EURO2016 match with Wales! Despite the result the band was still brilliant!"

He added: "Luc's arrangements are just out of this world, and hopefully many players will get to tackle these in the years to come."

Air miles

Steven's busy summer now continues with festivals in Spain and Italy, an outdoor concert in Austria and a band course in Lithuania before flies off to be the Artistic Director of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea.

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    


Willoughby

Downunder link for Denis Wick Products

June 5 • A new agreement confirms exclusive distribution in Australia for its products.


Stavanger

Stavanger announce new conducting duo

June 5 • Frederic Theodoloz and Ian Porthouse will lead Stavanger in their major championship appearances in 2023 and 2024.


Downshire Brass

Final chord approaches for Alcorn and Downshire

June 4 • The successful musical partnership between Prof Michael Alcorn and Downshire Brass is to come to an end.


Socail Media

BBE to help bands master social media

June 4 • If you want to be much better at using social media to benefit your band, Brass Bands England will be hosting a special webinar to help you along.


Regent Hall Concerts - RAF Salon Orchestra

Friday 9 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Leicestershire Co-op Band - The Great British Music Hall concert

Saturday 10 June • The Palace Community Centre. Ibstock . Leicestershire LE67 6LG


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 10 June • St Mary's Church, Prestwich, Greater Manchester M25 1AN


Newtown March Contest - Newtown (Mid Wales) March and Open Air Contest

Sunday 11 June • Newtown Town Hall Grounds. Back Lane. Newtown. Powys SY16 2NZ


Regent Hall Concerts - Sun Bones Trombone Trio

Tuesday 13 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London


Mereside Brass

June 5 • MERESIDE BRASS (Northwich, Cheshire) are looking for a front row CORNET, possibly PRINCIPAL for the right player and a PERCUSSIONIST. We are a friendly 4th Section band, currently not contesting but with a sensible calendar of jobs and band social events


Besses Boys' Band

June 5 • Besses Boys' Band (2nd Section NW) are looking for a TUTTI SOLO CORNET to join the band. Rehearsals take place Monday and Friday, 19:30-21:30 in Simister, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2SB


Grange Moor Brass Band

June 4 • Eb/BBb bass, percussion (tuned or kit) & baritone are Grange Moor Brass Band's current vacancies. All of these sections are populated at the moment, but due to various reasons, we are looking to bolster each of these positions.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2023 4barsrest.com Ltd