International Classical Music Awards Nominee, clarinetist Arthur Campbell has a celebrated concert and recording career. His recordings and performances have won critics choice awards in Germany, Luxembourg, France, and Spain and critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe. About his Brahms recording Ensemble Magazine (Germany) writes: "The American and French instrumentalists succeed absolutely convincingly here in their interpretation, stirring for both heart and mind…” About his ICMA nominated recording with Helen Marlais, Pizzicato magazine writes: “The perfectly balanced chamber music atmosphere of this recording, the sensitive dialogue between the clarinetist and pianist, are striking…. …he [Campbell] succeeds in making every movement a small evocative tone picture.” In spring of 2012 Fono Forum selected the Campbell/Marlais duo for the Star of the Month award, and Stereo Magazine simultaneously announced their recording as CD of the Month. The New York Times hailed Campbell as an "eloquent soloist" following his Merkin Hall concerto debut. The American Record Guide calls Campbell “a terrific player” while Fanfare writes “exquisite playing” and in summarizing clarinet playing of the last century Fanfare states “…that brings us to the American school, which has managed to produce, in my opinion, the finest clarinetists of all—Stanley Drucker, David Shifrin, Richard Stoltzman, Harold Wright, and let us not forget Benny Goodman; and now Arthur Campbell can be added to this prestigious list.” Campbell's classical recordings are with the German Audiophile label Audite ~ the 2013 European record label of the year.
In addition to his highly praised performances of the standard canon, Arthur Campbell is recognized as one of the foremost champions of contemporary repertoire of his generation. He has recorded contemporary repertoire releases for everglade records, Centaur Records, Gasparo Records, the ICA recording Project and SEAMUS. The official journal of the International Clarinet Association, regarding the premiere recording of Three Scenes for Solo Clarinet by Pulitzer Prize winner Shulamit Ran states, "The performance of this work is exceptional. Campbell's tone, phrasing and dynamic contrast really portray the essence of this piece, a work which will most likely become a standard in the clarinet repertoire." Campbell's performance of Benjamin Broening's Radiance at the 2011 National SEAMUS Convention was selected for the Best of SEAMUS award. Campbell has had pieces written for him by some of today's most distinguished composers as well as younger composers whom he has helped to introduce.
Also in great demand as a master teacher, Dr. Campbell has presented master classes at top pedagogical institutions throughout the world. Campbell received the Doctor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Northwestern University, where he studied with renowned clarinetist and pedagogue Robert Marcellus. Campbell has won several international and national awards and holds the distinction of being one of only three people ever to have completed a doctoral degree as a student of the late Robert Marcellus. Born in Canada, Campbell grew up in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where he studied at the Mount Allison University Conservatory of Music. Home base is Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, pianist and pedagogical author, Dr. Helen Marlais. Campbell’s commitment to developing talent during the undergraduate years is well known. He is Professor of Music at Grand Valley State University and is the only music faculty ever to receive the Outstanding Educator Award from the GVSU Alumni Association. Arthur Campbell plays the Privilege model clarinets made by Selmer Paris.