Mike Campbell

Mike Campbell is an arranger/composer/musical director with thirty-plus years experience in the jazz and commercial music industry. His work has been heard frequently on radio, film, TV, and live productions in South Africa and overseas.

He writes prolifically for full orchestra, big band and any smaller combination. He has led and worked with bands in Europe, the U.S. and throughout South Africa, and conducted numerous live and studio productions for stage, TV and the record industry.

He initiated Jazz Studies at the SA College of Music UCT and headed the programme until 2019, remaining an Emeritus Associate Professor in the department.

References:

“I have known Mike Campbell for several years mainly through his excellent arrangements for orchestra. I have used these on many occasions – they are well written for orchestra and are very effective in performance. He has a good understanding of what is required and produces it efficiently and professionally.”
– Richard Cock
(Conductor, Music Producer “Starlight Classics”, many large-scale productions for orchestra)

“Mike Campbell’s arrangements for anything from Big Band to the full orchestral sweep are impeccable, idiomatic and a pleasure to play. He’s also the fastest writer I know, which is a blessing indeed in this industry of instant gratification and “can you have it ready by tomorrow?”
– Graham Scott
(Conductor: Highveld & Jacaranda pops, numerous commercial productions)

“Mike Campbell is a composer who knows how take his audience on a journey, an essential trait when writing a musical! I had the good fortune of working with him on Mandela Trilogy, where he created a second Act filled with great songs, arranged for a full 44 piece orchestra… Mandela Trilogy has toured five cities in the United Kingdom, the Ravenna Festival in Italy”
– Michael Williams
(Director: Cape Town Opera)