Ian Fraser, in Memoriam
The South Florida Symphony Orchestra family has lost a dear friend and icon, Alastair Ian Fraser. “Ian,” as he was known, was a consummate gentleman in every way, admired by all whose lives he touched.
His extended family spanned the globe. He had a heart of gold and a musical knowledge base that would make an encyclopedia jealous. An avid music lover and art historian, Ian discovered Sebrina and the Symphony while escaping the cold Indianapolis winters in Key West. He and his beloved Ambrose, who he had been with for 60 years, eventually became residents of Coral Springs. When the Symphony made our home on the mainland, Ian and Ambrose rolled up their sleeves and volunteered in the office regularly. After Ambrose passed, we asked Ian to present our pre-concert chats and compose the much-anticipated program notes, and he willingly obliged. He most recently delivered a pre-concert chat for Handel's Messiah at The Parker on December 3rd.
Not only was Ian devoted to the Symphony, but he was also our friend and an important part of our personal lives. He joined us at our family events. He had a mischievous side and would often slip in a little ditty or limerick much to the delight of our guests. He knew them all by heart. He was remarkable. Sharp as a tack. How very blessed we have been to share our journey with him.
Ian is survived by his sister Sheila, niece Miranda, her husband Ian, son Ryan and his husband Jimmy, their children, and many other family members. He was very fond of them all.
Ian was an extremely vital man; he traveled the world and authored a book, A Sow’s Ear: Digressions and Transgressions of a Gay Humanist, in which I’m proud to say we were included. He was always positive, loving, caring and kind, and we loved him for it. Ian remained close friends to those he met along the road of life of over 93 well-lived years, and he will be missed dearly. We pray that he and Ambrose will find each other in the beyond and be united once again.
For those who wish to remember Ian, we will establish a memorial chair in his honor.
Dr. Alan Mason
Pre-concert chats are delivered to the audience by Dr. Alan Mason for the South Florida Symphony classical concerts performed at New World Center.
Dr. Mason received the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Miami. Alan had a 32 year career as a professor on four different college campuses before retiring from Barry University as an Associate Professor of Music. Alan is one of the nation's most noted accompanists to cantors and sacred Jewish music concerts, conferences, conventions, and events, He is a regular accompanist for the Union for Reform Judaism, the Cantors Assembly, the American Conference of Cantors, the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Guild of Temple Musicians, and the Zamir Choral Foundation. Alan is the conductor of HaZamir Miami, a chapter of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and is a Past President of the Guild of Temple Musicians. Alan is the Musical Director at Bet Shira Congregation in Miami, Florida.