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Additional Info:
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Simon began playing the piano at the age of four, having both perfect pitch and the ability to immediately play anything that he heard. Training as a ‘classical’ pianist followed, he also studied the violoncello and spent several formative years as a chorister whilst at grammar school. Gaining his LTCL, whilst embarking upon a chemistry degree, he was casually asked to musically direct a touring theatre production. So began an exciting career in the theatre as both musical director and arranger for countless musical productions. Revisiting academia, Simon recommenced his classical piano studies, took up the pipe organ at Chichester Cathedral and developed a keen interest in composition. He holds both BA(Hons) and MA degrees in Music, a PhD in Composition from the University of Sussex, and a Performer's Diploma from Trinity College, London. In addition to his lengthy career in the theatre, he has invested much time, over the last twelve years, lecturing students in the specialist areas of musical development, arranging, orchestration and composition.
Over a period spanning more than two decades, Simon musically directed and orchestrated scores for a large portfolio of popular shows and musicals, in virtually all the major theatres around the UK. From favourites such as ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Annie’, ‘The Boyfriend’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Robert and Elizabeth’, ‘Godspell’, ‘Hello, Dolly!’, ‘Mame’ and ‘West Side Story’, to those with an original concept; ‘Patsy Cline – A Musical Tribute’, ‘She Knows You Know’, ‘Stand By Your Man’, ‘Houdini - The Musical’, ‘Rave On!’ and a whole repertoire of pantomimes! Escapades abroad include an extensive German tour of ‘Oklahoma!’ and the fabulous ‘Elvis the Legend’ in Sweden, with an American cast and a mixed Swedish/English orchestra. Throughout his career, in musicals, concerts, summer seasons, television broadcasts and cabaret, Simon has had the pleasure of working with a host of our most celebrated television and variety performers. He has also fulfilled several contracts aboard the QE2 (1997 and 1999) and Saga Rose (2002 – 2003) cruise liners as Pianist and Musical Director, respectively.
Simon’s personality might best be described as confident and gregarious; a large percentage of his career having revolved around the management and rehearsal of actors, singers and musicians. His performance skills at the piano keyboard remain very important and unique to him. With a formidable natural facility, supported by much formal training and professional experience, he is comfortable engaging with a wide and extremely diverse range of music, from the popular end of the spectrum right across the board to a more ‘classical’ repertoire. As well as playing the piano, he has worked with an armoury of hi-tech electronic equipment and keyboards over the years.
Private Functions
May be booked to play during private dinner parties and champagne receptions. Particularly suited to a more mature and discerning clientele.
Private Concerts & Concerts at Sea
Particularly suited to a more mature and discerning clientele. Ideal for smaller, more intimate audiences. Performances may be staged formally or informally. Total flexibity - 45 or 20 minutes cabaret duration, individual items or spots as required. 'Concerts by Request' - audience submit suggestion forms 48 hours prior to performance. Solo performance, no band required, only a suitably well maintained and tuned grand piano. Perfect entertainment for the smaller ship
N.B. A well maintained grand piano or suitable digital instrument at the venue is a prerequisite!
A vast repertoire of popular music and standards.
Virtuoso piano selections and medleys from musical theatre and film including such favourites as ....
Mack and Mabel
South Pacific
Oklahoma!
Showboat
The Sound of Music
My Fair Lady
Guys and Dolls
West Side Story
Phantom of the Opera
Sunset Boulevard
Les Miserables
A Chorus Line
George Gershwin
Ivor Novello |
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Additional Specialisms:
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Session Work, Solo Performance, Improvisation |
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