Martin Nigel Evans
7 February 1962 – 21 December 2022

Malcolm Williamson writes:

Nigel Evans, who was Main Assistant at the Manchester School (MATTS), died peacefully after a long progressive illness. Latterly, despite his severe physical limitations, he remained optimistic and always interested to hear about the goings-on in the Alexander world.
Nigel was brought up in Salisbury where he attended the Cathedral School. He learned the violin with a respected local teacher and went to York University to read music. Post-graduate, he studied violin at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Nigel was a highly talented violinist, and played in several shows such as ‘Le Miserables,’ but he was too sensitive – sensible, maybe – to get caught up in professional rivalry or the more humdrum aspects of orchestral life. His self-contained, bookish tendency made him well-suited to work in the more tranquil environs of the RNCM library where he soon gained an enviable reputation with his encyclopaedic knowledge of composers, musical compositions, artists and their recordings.

It would have been during the 1990s that Nigel became interested in the Alexander Technique having lessons with Manchester teacher Walter Brew, and training with Maggie Rakusen in Leeds, 1996-99.

I first met Nigel serving on the library counter shortly after he had qualified. I was afforded a wry smile on enquiring, “Is it you who teaches the Alexander Technique?” Plans to open a school in Manchester were already under way and, in following years, Nigel and I worked together regularly to mutual benefit – he for his “CPD” and me discovering how I might possibly be an effective trainer. Nigel became my assistant when he had gained teaching experience for STAT’s required five years.

Nigel was widely knowledgeable and had an eclectic, refined appreciation of all the finer things in life; music (Enya to Puccini), Betjeman’s England, gardens, films, food and wine. He had what you might call an urbane air of distinction; a gentle soul – warm, fun-loving, kind hearted – with an attention to detail and artistry developed from his deep love of music, in particular Edward Elgar.

Nigel was an important part of the Manchester School, contributing in his light, unassuming and charming manner, keeping us on track. Many of the teachers he helped to train are now regulars at the new MATTS in Wilmslow under its Head, Peter Bloch.
Nigel is survived by his brother and a wide circle of loving and devoted friends, and his loyal cat, ‘Pearl’.

Statnews, Vol. 12; Issue 1. January 2023: p.43.