It has been announced that the 2021 Mortimer Medal has been awarded to Steven Mead.

The leading award established in 1995, is presented each year by the Worshipful Company of Musicians — one of the City of London’s historic livery companies — in recognition of outstanding service to the brass band movement.

Mortimer Medal

Steven Mead follows a significant line of outstanding brass musicians in being awarded the Mortimer Medal in recognition of his outstanding commitment and dedication in fostering new generations of brass band musicians.

The internationally-renowned music educator and soloist has been a Professor of Euphonium at the Royal Northern College of Music for over 30 years, as well as a Guest Professor at Augsburg University, Milan Conservatory, Xi’an Conservatory of Music (China) and Osaka College of Music.

His worldwide commitment to teaching sees him regularly visit countries and educational establishments across the globe from Lithuania and Italy to the USA and South Korea.

It is testament to his success that many of his former pupils have gone on to enjoy highly successful musical careers themselves.

Soloist and innovator

As a soloist he has produced numerous award winning recordings, whilst his commitment to seeking new musical challenges has enriched the euphonium repertoire — including significant premieres of works by major brass composers.

As an innovator for the whole ‘low brass’ world, he has been the Artistic Director of all six of the National Tuba/Euphonium Conferences, held in the UK and recently handed over the reins as Artistic Director of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea, after serving in that role for seven years.

He is a proud founder member and Principal Euphonium of Brass Band of Battle Creek in the USA and has been a leading clinician and artist for Besson Musical Instruments and Denis Wick for many years.