Leonard Camplin

Camplin, Leonard

Leonard Camplin. Conductor, violinist, oboist, b London 16 Aug 1928; FTCL. He studied at the GSM and the Essen School of Music, Germany, and received private tuition in London and Berlin. After graduating from the RMSM (Kneller Hall) in 1955 he became the British Army's youngest bandmaster. Camplin arrived in Canada in 1959 as music supervisor in the Sturgis School Unit, Saskatchewan. In 1960 he was successful in gaining a full music credit for music students towards graduation in Saskatchewan schools. He was principal oboe 1959-61 in the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Camplin joined the Canadian Army in 1961 as music director of the Royal Canadian Engineers Band, Regular Force, and subsequently commanded the Canadian Forces Naden and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Bands. He was appointed music director of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra in 1964 and continued in this position in 1991; under his leadership the orchestra evolved from amateur to professional status. Camplin has conducted in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, and North America. In 1975, he was appointed music director of the City of Calgary's centennial celebrations (Century Calgary) and formed and conducted the Century Calgary Symphony Orchestra. He is also the founder and music director of the professional Kelowna Philharmonic Society. Camplin holds the Canadian Forces Decoration and Clasp.