Performing the rocking Christmas standard ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ singer David Campbell described his first Christmas Eve at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight as both incredible and nerve wracking.
“I definitely had imposter syndrome. I grew-up watching Carols by Candlelight every Christmas Eve with iconic performers like Marina Prior and David Hobson. Then I’m backstage with them and I thought who am I to be here?” David said
“But I was quickly swept up in the magic of the night.”
Fast forward 19 years and David is now hosting the production and recently received a Vision Australia Award in recognition to his dedication to Carols by Candlelight.
Of the award, which was announced at Vision Australia’s annual general meeting in October, David said he is both overwhelmed and humbled.
“I’m very grateful, however I would also like it to reflect back on all of the hard work the volunteers do on the night,” he said.
As a former Vision Australia ambassador, David has an understanding and an appreciation of the work the organisation does for people who are blind or have low vision and says Carols by Candlelight is a huge part of sharing that work with the wider community.
“The vignettes that are played during the telecast of young children or parents of young children who are blind or have low vision highlight where the money is going and how we can help as a community.
“It’s a nice wake-up call and a chance to take some time out of a busy year to reflect about how other families live.”
While it’s been almost two decades since his first appearance at Carols, David said the nerves haven’t gone away - although he’s more philosophical about them.
“It’s what makes the night special. It’s like putting on your Sunday best and going to a fancy party and being on your best behavior. No-one wants to make a fool of themselves on such an important night, it’s a significant ritual for so many people.
“After the tumultuous year we’ve all had it’ll be an even more important for people to be able to continue this ritual.”
While David can’t confirm what he’ll be singing on the big night, he said it won’t be a rocking tune.
“The younger me would’ve chosen something fun but this year I’d like to sing something a little more personal, something the audience at home knows and we could sing along to as one, like Silent Night.”
You can listen to an interview with David Campbell on Talking Vision here.
Now in its 83rd year, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight raises vital funds each year to support children who are blind or have low vision and their families across Australia.
Carols by Candlelight 2020 will be performed at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 24. Channel 9 will broadcast the whole show live from 8pm AEDT on Christmas Eve, as well as a replay on Christmas Day. 3AW will broadcast live from 6pm until midnight on Christmas Eve.
Vision Australia Radio will broadcast live from 7pm with a one hour pre-program featuring interviews, music and more followed at 8pm with the entire event audio described live on your local Vision Australia Radio AM/FM service, on VAR Digital (DAB+) and online at www.varadio.org
Keep up to date with all the latest Carols by Candlelight news at carols.visionaustralia.org