Alastair was one of the 2011 cohort and through the Scheme he composed Tocco, to mean ‘touch’, bell-ringing terminology for a short composition for bells; in this case a ‘touch’ for orchestra – the name also fittingly alludes to the word ‘toccata’. The LSO commissioned Alastair to write a 5-minute piece as a result of the Scheme, for which he wrote an individual and memorable work, Spiral, inspired by Fibonacci spirals. The piece was premiered by the Orchestra in June 2014 and was recorded on Panufnik Legacies II.
Alastair continued to be a wider support to the Panufnik family, as well as other LSO composer projects, most recently preparing music and working with the current Panufnik composers for the workshop in March 2022. In addition to his composition career, Alastair was also a professional tenor and guitarist. He sang regularly with EXAUDI and the BBC Singers, and played in the LSO’s Soundhub Showcase in 2019.
Colin Matthews, Panufnik Composers Scheme Composition Director, said ‘Alastair’s career as a singer and composer has been cut tragically short – he had so much still to give and will be greatly missed.’
The London Symphony Orchestra extends its condolences to Alastair’s family and friends at this sad time.
Further Reading
Obituary: Frank Mathison, 1928–2026
The London Symphony Orchestra is saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Mathison, former LSO Principal Bass Trombone, at the age of 98.
Obituary: Michael Tilson Thomas, 1944–2026
The London Symphony Orchestra was deeply saddened to hear of the death of its Conductor Laureate and former Principal Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Obituary: Alexander Murray, 1929–2026
The LSO is saddened to hear of the death of Alexander Murray, former Principal Flute.
