Tribute to Alan Spackman

Barbara Spackman has announced that a tribute will be paid to her husband Alan in the form of a concert in memory of  this well-loved Hastings character. The  programme will include a variety of music, anecdotes, humour and, of course, something from his beloved Beethoven. Barbara says that all are welcome to come and enjoy a glass of wine with Alan, writes HOT’s Chris Cormack.

The friend  –  Alan Spackman 30.7.1934-19.11.2012

Alan Spackman loved St Mary in the Castle and was one of those  who helped, many years ago, to save and then restore the buiding after years of neglect and decay. His voluntary work as a guide to show people around this magnificent building also led to an unexpected outcome when he met a casual visitor from Schwerte, Hastings’ twin town in Germany.

The friendship that Alan forged that day led to the Hastings Opera (and then Opera South East) becoming a regular visitor to Schwerte – a musical friendship link that has continued to this day. It is no surprise then that building stage sets for performances at St Mary in the Castle combined two of Alan’s great passions.

Alan enriched the lives of all who knew him.  He sought not fame,  but to contribute his skills to the benefit of the community, without seeking rewards or plaudits. His contribution to Opera South East is well known, whether it was building sets for opera productions, (“I’ll do wood”, Alan would say!) being the quizmaster at fundraising events, or perhaps with his wife Babs in making new members feel part of the opera family.

Councillor Godfrey Daniel  – courtesy of SMIC-F  Newslatter

Sally-Ann Shepherdson sings from the Merry Widow

The concert programe will include excerpts from Beethoven’s Fidelio,  sung by Lesley Moore, Gary Marriott, and Peter Grevatt. Kenneth Roberts, who is also Musical Director, will play Beethoven’s piano sonata ‘Pathetique’ so loved by Alan. There will be a host of favourite arias from the best of opera – Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Verdi’s Nabucco and la Traviata, Rossini, Lehar and Purcell, not to mention Gilbert & Sullivan and a special adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof. Sandra Lambourne with chorus will also sing Mozart’s inspirational ‘Laudate Dominum’.

Other special guests include Leon Berger singing the ‘Modern Major General’ as well as giving a humorous interlude on set building with Alan, and Sally-Ann Shepherdson singing from the Merry Widow.  John Rycroft, chairman of Opera South East will also give a few words. All in all, an afternoon to remember!

Tickets £10/ £8 (concs) – Under 18s free at the door! Doors open 2.30pm.

Opera South East’s next production is the Pearl Fishers.

People who knew Alan are invited to write a few words in the comments section below

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