Paul Campion
20 City Harbour
8 Selsdon Way
London E14 9GR
Phone/Fax +44 (0)20 7987 7259
MusicTalks1@aol.com
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Paul
Campion - Toastmaster |
| Welcome to my website. Let me tell you something about myself and my speaking topics. |
For several years I worked in Harrods, the world’s most exciting department store, and met many famous (and infamous) celebrities among its clientele. |
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As writer I have collaborated with EMI and Pearl records on the compilation of CDs and written booklet essays for Naxos, Decca and Pearl operatic issues; as an accredited reference in Grove’s New Opera I gladly accept commissions for magazine notes, programme essays, artists’ biographies and CD booklets. |
I’m delighted to travel throughout the UK or overseas to lecture to groups on any of my topics, so please check out more details about them by clicking on the lecture titles below. |
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 My
book Glyndebourne Recorded, co-authored with Rosy Runciman,
was published in 1994 to celebrate sixty years of Glyndebourne Festival
Opera in Sussex and the opening of the splendid new theatre there.
My talk, also entitled Glyndebourne Recorded,
is the story of the Festival’s unique operatic achievement. |
 Among
the TV shows on which I have appeared, BBC’s Mastermind
must be counted the most challenging ordeal! But $64,000
Question was quite a cliff-hanger too, and I very much enjoyed
being on BBC Radio’s Brain of Britain and Counterpoint.
Hear about the fascinating background to nerve-wracking appearances
from one who actually took part. Learn what it is like to encounter
Magnus Magnusson face to face! Let me tell you about Mastermind
- Secrets from the Black Chair. |
 Maria
Callas is remembered as the most controversial singer to
have appeared in the world’s opera houses. Her singing divides
music lovers; those who believe she brought more excitement to the
lyric stage than any soprano has ever done, and those for whom her
vocal imperfections were too great to tolerate. My talk La
Divina: Maria Callas, the Woman who changed Opera tells the story
of her tempestuous career and private life - and illustrates why her
singing still causes such strong feelings in the world of opera. |
 My
talk Hope and Glory - The Proud Story of the Proms
tells of the founding and long-lasting success of this most popular
of British musical institutions. Here is a story of achievement, sheer
joy at music making, which introduces some of the major conductors,
instrumentalists and singers who have made the BBC Promenade Concerts
famous for over one hundred years. |
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So if I can be of service to you in any of these capacities, do contact me for more information. I look forward to hearing from you. |
I was born and educated in England and have lived most of my life
in London, where I am currently based. My home is now in the developing
Docklands area near Canary Wharf, east of the City – a stimulating
and lively place to be. 
I now lecture regularly to societies and music and arts groups around
the UK, which appreciate the affectionate humour and freshness of
approach that I aim to bring to my favourite topics; recently I’ve
been fortunate to extend my audience range by lecturing on Cunard
and Saga cruises in the Mediterranean and Baltic. All talks feature
authentic recorded audio musical illustrations and, where a video/DVD
facility is in place, visual illustrations too.
For relaxation, London’s theatreland provides wonderful entertainment;
I love to travel throughout Europe and North America and enjoy studying
the history of architecture (particularly the age of Sir Christopher
Wren). I am a Freeman of the City of London, a Court member of the
Worshipful Company of Musicians, a Fellow of the Institute of Musical
Instrument Technology and a member of the Society of London Toastmasters;
another passion is collecting musical autographs and research into
my family’s history, which has taken me to many parts of England
and to San Diego, California; and I fully appreciate my membership
of the National Liberal Club, The Royal Over-Seas League, Mensa,
the English National Trust and English Heritage.
