Special celebration for the life of a truly inspirational music teacher

Sasha Levtov, founder of the Regis School of Music in Bognor with his wife Nina, passed away on Sunday evening, October 19. He is survived by Nina and by their children Inna, Joe, Ilya and Yuli.

The family have already pledged that every effort will be made to ensure that the school continues with all its commitments.

Inna said: “We would like to thank you all for your messages of love, sympathy, and support over the recent weeks, and we warmly invite all who knew and loved Sasha to join us in celebrating his life.”

The celebration will be on Monday, November 24 from 3:30pm until 6pm at the Avisford Park Hotel, Yapton Lane, Walberton, Arundel, BN18 0LS.

“This will be an opportunity to come together, share stories and remember Sasha with laughter, love and of course, music.

“Before the celebration, there will be an opportunity for quiet reflection with Sasha, whose casket will be present at the Regis School of Music between 10am and 11:30am. You are warmly welcome to attend at any time. The cremation itself will be a private family occasion.

“To help us with arrangements, please RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, November 17 or by calling Reynolds Funeral Services on 01243 864745, letting us know which parts you would like to attend, and how many people will be coming. Tea and coffee will be provided. If anyone wishes to bring cake to the celebration, please feel free.

“Sasha’s principal legacy is the RSM, and we would therefore invite anyone wishing to do so to make a donation to the School for its future growth and development, which can be made via Reynolds Funeral Services. Alternatively we would invite anyone contemplating a donation to consider Amnesty International, which was also an organisation close to Sasha’s heart.”

Inna added: “He was a tremendous figure of influence in our musical world here on the south coast, and having built the Regis School of Music together with Nina, was able to touch the lives of so many young musicians and artists across the globe.

“Sasha arrived in the UK on 4 January 1980 with his wife Nina and their two sons, Joseph (six) and Ilya (one), two suitcases and his guitar.

“Alongside his first job as a care attendant at Ashley House, Sasha starting teaching classical guitar almost straight away with barely any English. He continued to teach all of his life and together with Nina and his four children, realised his dream by creating the Regis School of Music in 1993.

“The RSM began life at The Old School in Bersted where The West Sussex Guitar Club was also born. The WSGC has gone from strength to strength and has become one of the most loved and influential classical guitar appreciation societies in the UK. The RSM moved to its current home in Sudley Road in 1996 where it has been visited by musicians from across the globe, often before performances at top London venues such as the Wigmore Hall and the South Bank.

“Sasha’s enthusiasm for the guitar, classical music and culture in this area was a tremendous driving force. His boundless energy, which at times felt infinite, gave inspiration and direction to many lives, from the youngest of beginners whose talent he nurtured, to musicians just starting out on their musical careers to well established professionals. Never one to rest on his laurels, he was continually thinking of new avenues to bring culture to Bognor Regis, most recently with the addition of a Cinema Club which is just into its second year.”

Inna added: “Every effort will be made for the diary of events at the RSM to continue. The biggest tribute to Sasha would be for people to visit and enjoy this jewel in Bognor Regis’ musical and cultural crown.

“Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed. Sasha’s life has touched many in this community and the family are aware that there are many people who may wish to pay their respects.”

Inna said people should feel free to email her on [email protected] to be updated on the plans for the funeral which is not expected to be for several weeks.