He studied in London and Cambridge with Carmel Kaine and David Takeno and, after graduating from Cambridge in 1992 with a double first, won a Commonwealth Scholarship to study in Toronto with David Zafer. Simon has won numerous awards and competitions, including the 1994 NFMS/Esso Young Artists' Award, since when he has been in increasing demand as a soloist and chamber musician. Alongside his work in the Schubert Ensemble, Simon has been guest leader for several orchestras including the English Chamber Orchestra, the Nieuw Sinfonietta Amsterdam, and the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa in Japan. As a soloist Simon has appeared in recital and with orchestras throughout the UK and abroad, and has had new works written for him by, amongst others, John Woolrich, Stuart MacRae and Dave Brubeck. Performed at the Festival in 2005.