Alan Civil

Civil was engaged by Thomas Beecham to play second horn to Dennis Brain in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and when Brain left for the Philharmonia, Civil took over leadership of the section. In the 1960s, Civil became the first non-German to be approached by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to become a member. Civil stuck with the Philharmonia however, who were reshaping themselves into the New Philharmonia. In 1966 he became principal horn of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, remaining there until his retirement in 1988. His recording of Benjamin Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings with Robert Tear is quite well known. He also played chamber music in the Alan Civil Horn Trio. Civil was also part of the orchestra crescendo in the song "A Day in the Life" from the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Civil taught at the Royal College of Music. Among his pupils was Timothy Brown. He was appointed President of the British Horn Society in 1979 and was awarded an OBE in 1985. Civil died of liver and kidney failure on 19 March 1989 at King's College Hospital in London. He was 59 years old.

• Name — Alan Civil OBE • Born — 13 June 1929 • Birthplace — Northampton, Northamptonshire, England • Died — 19 March 1989 • Place of death — Lambeth, London, England • Known for — French horn • Occupation — Musician

Alan Civil is recorded as musician, horn player, composer, music educator and music arranger.