*
banner

Mead enjoys marathon in Estonia

Steven Mead has enjoyed a return to his live performance schedule — with 12 hour teaching days and 12 world premieres in one concert to help inspire Estonian players and composers alike.

mEAD
  Steve was honoured to play his part in what is a fast emerging brass band community in the country.

Besson euphonium star Steven Mead has just returned from an extensive performance masterclass project in Estonia — one that not only saw him lead 12-hour teaching days, but also included the performance of 15 solos in one concert appearance.

Steve has maintained a close association with the brass communities of the Baltic states, and despite recent cut backs in some government funding the musical base continues to grow.

Annual project

Alongside the inspirational Bert Langeler, whom he has worked with for over 35 years, the annual project in Viljandi has also created an ideal brass band foundation — one which was both celebrated and enhanced by Steve's latest visit.

Speaking to 4BR he said: "Bert has established himself as an inspirational force for good on the Estonian music scene — so much so that one my first day I was already working with 20 young composers aged between 13 and 24.

That was the beginning of the planning that went into 10 days of hard work and enjoyment in Viljandi and on the island of Hiiumaa — and which culminated in 12 new solo works."

New works

Such was the scope and quality of the compositions that Steve felt it was entirely appropriate that each was performed in concert.

He added: "The concert was a delight — with an incredible atmosphere and audience.

The lockdown has given me the opportunity to return to serious practice — and it came in handy as some of the works were incredibly difficult, with absolutely zero rest for the soloist!

What was a delight however was that they were all full of originality. With that in mind they all deserved a premiere performance".

Such was the scope and quality of the compositions that Steve felt it was entirely appropriate that each was performed in concert4BR

Hunger

The low brass ensemble which he worked consisted of emerging players with a real hunger for development, with Steve confident that this bodes well for the future.

He also accompanied Bert to the island of Hiiumaa, where he was soon rehearsing solos with the Estonian Conductors Orchestra. This led to an invitation to join their 'double-header' concerts as part of an annual music festival featuring no fewer than 13 Estonian wind orchestras.

Steve added: "This was a joyous non-competitive occasion where bands listened to each other at the main piazza in the town of Kärdla. I was absolutely overjoyed by the experience and the supportive music culture that its embraces.

I was also delighted to find out that although there are no British style brass bands yet in Estonia, people are working on a new project that hopefully will come into fruition in the near future."

Honour

Looking back he concluded: "It was a real honour to be a part in helping that occur — and if anyone wants to enjoy a holiday of music making then please go to Estonia — it's an inspirational place in so many ways."

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd