Alan Hacker facts for kids

Alan Ray Hacker OBE FRAM (born September 30, 1938 – died April 16, 2012) was a talented English musician. He was known for playing the clarinet, leading orchestras as a conductor, and teaching music as a professor. He received an award called the OBE for his great work in music.

Alan Hacker's Musical Journey

Alan Hacker was born in Dorking, Surrey, England, in 1938. He went to Dulwich College for his early education. Later, he studied music at the Royal Academy of Music. There, he won special awards and a scholarship. This scholarship allowed him to travel and study music in famous cities like Paris, Bayreuth, and Vienna.

Early Career and New Groups

In 1958, Alan Hacker joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This was a big step in his career. By 1960, he became a professor at the Royal Academy of Music. He loved trying new things in music.

In 1965, he helped start a music group called the Pierrot Players. He formed this group with American pianist Stephen Pruslin and composer Harrison Birtwistle. A year later, in 1966, Alan Hacker had a health issue that meant he needed to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He continued to drive cars specially changed for him.

In 1972, the Pierrot Players changed their name to the Fires of London. Alan Hacker kept performing with them until 1976. He also started his own group called Matrix in 1971. He was a leader in music, even becoming chairman of the music section at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

Bringing Back Old Instruments

Alan Hacker was very important in bringing back the basset clarinet. This is a special type of clarinet. In 1967, he helped restore the original music for Mozart's famous Clarinet Concerto and Quintet. He played these pieces on a special instrument. It was made to be like the one Mozart originally wrote for.

He also started a group called the Music Party in 1972. This group focused on playing classical music exactly how it would have sounded long ago. Later, he helped create the Classical Orchestra in York. This orchestra also played classic pieces using original instruments. Alan Hacker even conducted operas, which are musical plays. He led performances from very old works to newer ones.

Teaching and Awards

From 1972 to 1973, Alan Hacker was a special lecturer at Leeds University. In 1976, he became a music lecturer at the University of York. He worked there as a senior lecturer until 1987.

In 1988, Alan Hacker was given the OBE. This is a special award from the British government for his great contributions to music. In 1994, he was a guest on a popular radio show called Desert Island Discs.

His Family

Alan Hacker was married three times. He had two daughters, Katy and Sophie, from his first marriage. With his second wife, he had a son named Alcuin. His third wife, Margaret Lee, and his children are still alive.

See also

• List of clarinetists