Victor Champion Victor Champion i(A110332 works by)
Born: Established: 1864
c
England,
c
c
United Kingdom (UK),
c
Western Europe, Europe,
; Died: Ceased: 1928 Melbourne, Victoria,
Gender: Male
Arrived in Australia: 1908
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BiographyHistory

The brother of English music hall star Edward 'Teddy' Lonnen, Victor Champion was born Victor Lonnen in 1864. Prior to arriving in Australia in 1908, he was well-known theatrical circles as both a composer and conductor. His final production in England prior to coming to Australa was The Student Prince, which had a very successful season at His Majesty's Theatre, London).

In 1908 Champion was engaged by Clarke, Meynell and Gunn to come to Australia to oversee the musical direction of his 1907 London pantomime Cinderella, and was accorded much acclaim for his work on the hit production of Miss Hook of Holland. He was associated with the company until it merged with J. C. Williamson's in 1911, and subsequently remained with 'the Firm' until his death.

In addition to being an accomplished conductor, Champion was a composer of much incidental music for pantomimes and other theatrical productions. On various occasions he also supplied lyrics for additional songs for musical comedy. Champion left behind his wife and a son.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

Most Referenced Works

Notes

  • Interestingly Champion's final production in Australia was also The Student Prince. He was unable to travel with the company for its Adelaide season, however, due to ill-health.

  • This entry has been sourced from research undertaken by Dr Clay Djubal into Australian-written popular music theatre (ca. 1850-1930). See also the Australian Variety Theatre Archive

Last amended 2 Jun 2014 09:58:04
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