Christopher Lawrence: Somebody is listening

Christopher Lawrence has spent his life sharing his love of music with Australian audiences, as a broadcaster, recording producer, writer and, more recently, leader of musical tours. His journ ey began rather improbably in the ABC mailroom, before washing records in the network's vast library became an extraordinary musical education. In this conversation, Christopher reflects on the twists and turns that led him to the microphone, the award-winning recordings and television productions he helped create, and the sometimes exhausting realities of life as a breakfast radio presenter.

Growing up with parents in showbusiness, he recalls being introduced to Nat King Cole while still in his bassinet, and later concocting an elaborate ruse to meet Leonard Bernstein, only to find himself invited to the composer's birthday party. He also talks about his work with Renaissance Tours, the determination behind the success of Van Diemen's Band, founded by his wife Julia Fredersdorff, and a lifelong passion for Berlioz that recently inspired a whirlwind trip to Brussels. It's a warm and frequently amusing journey through a life spent finding new ways to bring people closer to music.