Biography continued..
Competition successes have included First Prize in the International Music for Youth Competition, held at the Festival Hall, for his performances, with friend and colleague Rachel Goode, of the Flute Sonatas by Francis Poulenc and Dmitri Schostakovich. In 1993, Simon was awarded First Prize in the International Young Organist Competition, held in Plymouth for his performance of Bach First Trio Sonata and Litanies by Jehan Alain.
Simon semi-retired from professional music making when he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in the Church of England in June 2003 and for the next three years served as Curate at the Priory of Our Lady and Saint Cuthbert in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. He then went on to serve as Parish Priest of St. Aidan’s, New Parks, in the Diocese of Leicester from 2006 - 2020, a Church whose congregation grew by more than 300% during his time as Parish Priest.
Simon semi-retired from professional music making when he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in the Church of England in June 2003 and for the next three years served as Curate at the Priory of Our Lady and Saint Cuthbert in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. He then went on to serve as Parish Priest of St. Aidan’s, New Parks, in the Diocese of Leicester from 2006 - 2020, a Church whose congregation grew by more than 300% during his time as Parish Priest.
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During his ordained years, Simon acted as Musical Director for the Bishop of Beverley’s bi-annual York Festivals that saw York Minster packed to the rafters with a congregation of over 2000 people. Simon also directed the music for Festivals held at Lincoln and Norwich Cathedrals for the Bishop of Richborough either playing the organ or conducting the choir. These occasions also attracted very large congregations drawn from parishes that the Bishop of Richborough served, of which Saint Aidan’s New Parks was one.
Simon also directed much of the music for "Stand up for Jesus" – the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Society of the Holy Cross, of which Simon was a member, which saw Simon featured at the famous Father Willis organ of the Royal Albert Hall. Simon is enjoying coming back to more serious music making after a period of time away. He now directs 'Viva la Musica' - an exciting young Chamber Choir in Loughborough and is also the Musical Director of the Ryton Chorale, a large choral society based in Worksop. |
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Simon has released two solo recordings, which have both been met with popular and critical acclaim. ‘Loud Organs His Glory Forthtell in Deep Tone’ was the first recording to be made on the new organ that was installed in Saint Aidan’s, New Parks, in 2007 and features a programme of popular organ masterworks. ‘A Grateful Heart’ is a collection of English Song that Simon recorded with pianist Helen Davies and features works by Ivor Gurney, Michael Head and a complete recording of Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel. Simon’s next releases include a recording of British organ music, including the First Organ Sonata of Basil Harwood, and an album of lyrical song by composers including Haydn, Brahms and Richard Strauss.
Other recording work saw Simon making a series of videos for the Eminent Organ Company one of which, having been seen by more than 50,000 people was considered to have ‘gone viral’. Simon enjoys recording and is excited to be now able to publish these on his YouTube Channel.
In his limited spare time Simon pursues a wide range of other interests. He is a keen traveller and has spent much time in continental Europe. His love and study of French 20th century sacred, vocal and organ music has led him to be a keen student of the French language while engaging in more study in this area.
Other recording work saw Simon making a series of videos for the Eminent Organ Company one of which, having been seen by more than 50,000 people was considered to have ‘gone viral’. Simon enjoys recording and is excited to be now able to publish these on his YouTube Channel.
In his limited spare time Simon pursues a wide range of other interests. He is a keen traveller and has spent much time in continental Europe. His love and study of French 20th century sacred, vocal and organ music has led him to be a keen student of the French language while engaging in more study in this area.