Simon caught the singing bug at school when 'frogmarched' into a lead role in "Fiddler on the Roof", and continued his formal studies with Barbara Lowe while at University. He took part in many Gilbert & Sullivan operas during this period - and continues to do so today (2008 brings "Pirates of Penzance" and Yeomen of the Guard"). His studies culminated in a Wigmore Hall audition for the legendary operatic baritone Tito Gobbi in 1981, and Simon developed a career in opera with South Yorkshire Opera, Co-Op Arts Theatre, Derby New Opera, Present Company and more recently with Trent Opera as part of the Nottingham Festival Opera seasons. Favourite roles include Figaro, Count Almaviva, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto and Scarpia. Highlight for 2008 will be playing "Pirates" in Chatsworth House's beautiful Victorian theatre.

He is also lucky enough to have performed across the East Midlands in popular musicals, particularly the works of Stephen Sondheim. With Trent and NFO, Simon has taken part in 9 International Festivals in Waterford, and has won the Best Male Performer award on five occasions, most recently with Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof". Performances with the Derby Bach Choir and Sinfonia Chorale have included Summer Concerts, Mozart C Minor Mass, Faure's Requiem and Finzi Requiem da Camera, and most recently Handel's Solomon.