Christopher Lawrence (broadcaster)
Christopher Lawrence | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 24, 1956 |
| Occupation(s) | Classical musician, conductor, writer, broadcaster |
| Known for | Broadcasting on ABC Classic FM, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio |
Christopher Lawrence (born 24 December 1956) is a distinguished classical musician, conductor, and writer, widely recognized for his contributions to broadcasting on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio platforms, particularly ABC Classic FM, along with ABC Radio National and ABC Local Radio.
Early life
Lawrence was born to parents who were performers in nightclubs and television; his father was both a singer and pianist, while his mother performed as a singer and dancer. Beginning at age 11, he attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School, where he studied piano and cello. However, following his parents' separation, he left school at 15 to enter the workforce. His initial role at ABC was as a mail clerk before advancing to work in the record library.
Career
In 1991, Lawrence became the first host of The Music Show on Radio National, which was initially titled In Tempo 91. From 1994 until 2001, he presented ABC Classic FM’s Breakfast and Drive programs. After a break, he resumed broadcasting in 2010 with the Afternoons program, later assuming the Mornings slot in 2012 succeeding Margaret Throsby. He transitioned to presenting Drive in 2016 and then moved to Weekend Breakfast in 2018. His extensive hosting experience also includes programs such as Evenings and Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney, Afternoons on 936 ABC Hobart, and the nationally broadcast series Bakelite Express.
Lawrence declared his retirement in October 2018, which took effect in January 2019.
Awards
- Awarded the 1989 International Emmy Award for Arts Programming for producing the soundtrack of the ABC TV recording of The Australian Opera's production of La bohème.
- Recipient of three ARIA Music Awards from the Australian Record Industry Association.
- Honored with a Churchill Fellowship.
- Winner of the Editors' Choice Award at the 1992 Cannes Classical Awards in France.
- Conferred an honorary doctorate in communications by Central Queensland University in 1999 in recognition of his broadcasting accomplishments.
Personal life
Lawrence is in a partnership with violinist Julia Fredersdorff, who serves as Artistic Director of the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. Together they have two daughters.
Bibliography
- Swooning (Random House Australia, 2001)
- Hymns of the Forefathers (Random House Australia, 2002)
- Swing Symphony: Another Midlife Adventure in the South of France (Random House Australia, 2004)
- Symphony of Seduction: The Great Love Stories of Classical Composers (Nero, 2018)