Besson artist Steven Mead will be wrapping up a busy summer of musical travel with a trip to Colombia to perform in the very first International Festival of the Euphonium in Bogata.

Players from across South America will head to the event which will see him perform as a soloist, present masterclasses and be part of the jury for the first international euphonium competition held in the country.

Popularity

The festival has been spearheaded by Besson Artist Lucas Jose Manuel Fernandez Castro, with Steven and Misa Mead making the trip to help further promote the increasing popularity of euphonium playing in the country.

The journey brings to an end a busy summer schedule that has seen him take in performance, masterclass and jury duties Klagenfurt in Austria, followed by Taiwan, South Korea, Italy and back again to Austria before heading to Columbia.

"It's been exhausting but so enjoyable," he said. "Performing the Sparke 'Omaggio' concerto in Taipai was a real thrill, as was working with world class musicians such as Yu Han Yan and the Korean Navy Band."

Favourite destination

He added: "Italy is always a favourite destination and being able to premiere a new work by
Lorenzo Petrizzo was another major highlight. Giving masterclasses in Austria is always daunting but so rewarding musically.

On this occasion I was able to work with 30 professional brass teachers from the region, so to teach and perform with them was a memorable experience."

Seeing performers creating music in collaboration really drives me forwardSteven Mead

Creating music

He conducted: "Seeing performers creating music in collaboration really drives me forward, and with so much artistic growth and interest in euphonium playing across the world, it's a privilege to be able to meet up with so many people who love everything about the instrument."