Ross Campbell

Ross won a rare scholarship to study composition at the Royal College of Music in London and then, with James MacMillan, at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Whilst maintaining his interest in writing for the concert hall, Ross went on to pursue a career in commercial music, touring and recording with a variety of pop and rock acts. A number of his songs have become hit singles, including “Push The Feeling On” for Nightcrawlers.

Ross has been writing for TV and film as well as for theatre companies since the mid-1990s. He provided the music for Wark Clements’ series, Victorian Scots, made for Channel 4. Drama credits include Scottish Television’s King’s of the Wild Frontier and the BBC’s Rice Paper Stars (dramas commissioned under the “New Found Land” and “Tartan Short” schemes respectively). He has become a favourite of the producers and directors of Scottish Television’s long-running and highly-successful crime drama Taggart – and scored all episodes of the 2003 series.

His music for episode 52, entitled Death Trap, prompted unexpected praise on national radio from BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright! In the world of theatre Ross has a particular association with the Borderline Theatre Company, and has provided music for several touring productions. He has composed the music for a large number of short films, including Poor Angels – for which his score was nominated for a BAFTA Award.

Works include Thread – premiered by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, The Box, for string quartet, and Red George Square. The latter portrays the Red Clydeside Riots of 1919 – it received its premiere by the Athelas Ensemble at ISCM World Music Days in Copenhagen