Simon was born and educated in the UK, where he studied at Durham University and then at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He moved to New Zealand in the mid-1990’s and worked for several years as a freelancer, during which time he played with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He also played for seasons of “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” in Auckland, and in the orchestras for touring artists such as Ray Charles and Michael Crawford.

Simon joined the Auckland Philharmonia as a full-time member in 2001, and recently celebrated his 21st year with the orchestra, during which time he has also performed with NZSO, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Christchurch and Dunedin Symphony Orchestras, and Orchestra Wellington. Alongside his busy concert schedule, Simon teaches privately, at Auckland University, and at several Auckland schools.