Peter Simon has established himself as one of America’s finest musicians and most distinctive and versatile musical personalities. In reaching the heights of his profession, he has accomplished the rare artistic feat of generating both critical acclaim and widespread audience enthusiasm. His professional career has taken him around the world, including performances throughout Europe, Asia, Israel and New Zealand. Mr. Simon has also performed hundreds of concerts in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C.
A native of Denver, Colorado, Mr. Simon has had a multi-faceted career. Besides being a concert pianist performing in concert halls, embassies and cruise ships, he has been a university professor, artistic director of a music festival, an actor, truck driver, banker and professional drummer. He has toured with his son in the popular piano duo “Simon & Son,” a pianist/actor in his one-man play “Franz Liszt Live!” and a pianist/orator in “The Music & Poetry of Love.” Mr. Simon has degrees in both Philosophy and Music and has been featured on two public television specials: “Profiles & Performances” and “Culture in the Country” as well as his own three-part television series “Peter Simon & Friends.” Mr. Simon has a firm belief that classical music is meant for everyone regardless of age or background, and devotes much of his time performing outreach programs for numerous school districts as well as being a guest speaker on the Importance of the Arts in Education & Everyday Life for various civic and social organizations. He is married to an award-winning painter, Susan Miller Simon.
"From Carnegie Hall: Simon is well on his way toward filling the shoes of another Old Master Victor Borge. Simon, like Borge, is an engaging personality and an excellent raconteur. And, also, like Borge, Simon is a good pianist – a much better one, in fact, than his shtick would have us believe.”
- NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW
"From California: Simon enchanted and bedazzled those in attendance with his charm and musicianship"
- THE SUN , SAN BERNARDINO, CA
"From Oklahoma: Peter’s mix of the classics with his witty good humor make for an unforgettable evening of fine entertainment."
- OK MOZART FESTIVAL
"From New Zealand: Huge variety of non-stop family-style entertainment. Enthusiastic audience participation won many hears last night."
- NELSON, NEW ZEALAND
"From Japan: The man in the news is the remarkable U.S. pianist Peter Simon. He performed in 13 different cities across the nation with notable success with audiences, combining music and humor."
- GEKKAN PIANO MAGAZINE
Spiritual Music Program
In his continuing effort to increase audience attendance and appreciation, international concert pianist Peter Simon has created a uniquely beautiful and inspiring program highlighting some of the world’s most spiritual and deeply moving piano music. Included in this special non-denominational concert is the heartfelt “The Blessings of God in Solitude” by Franz Liszt, written after he retired from the concert stage and moved to an Abbey to write religious music; J.S. Bach’s “In Thee there is Joy” and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire”; the Piano Sonata of Ernst Bloch, whose musical interpretation of the ancient Hebrews is stunning in its imagery; the last piano music written by Franz Schubert, written on his deathbed and expressing his love of life; and the last piano music composed by Beethoven, which is profoundly spiritual and “not of this world.”
Prefacing each work, Mr. Simon briefly speaks about each composer’s life and religious/spiritual views, as well as quotes from the Old and New Testament that match the music. This is a deeply moving and insightful program that expresses the best of Western Civilization’s classical music, and will linger in the minds of listeners for years to come.
Peter Simon, a former University Professor of Music, has performed to critical acclaim in Carnegie Hall, U.S. Embassies, European and Asian tours as well as hundreds of concerts in the continental United States.
Sample Program
The Music & Poetry of Love Program
Have you ever read a sonnet of Shakespeare? Do you remember Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways?” Do you remember the song Liebestraum (Dream of Love) that was used in many movies? Clair du Lune by Debussy? All this and more will be presented by international concert pianist/actor Peter Simon in his program “The Music & Poetry of Love”. In this one-of-a-kind program, Mr. Simon will not only perform some of the world’s best romantic piano music but will also recite some of the world’s most cherished romantic poetry. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear not only selected works of Chopin, Schumann, Liszt and others, but also the timeless expressions of love written by Shakespeare, Wadsworth, Browning and others. This magical experience of Love and Romance in the uniquely gorgeous presentation by Peter Simon will captivate its listeners and linger in their memories for years to come. Simon has toured the world performing special programs for all ages and offers his unique music-making and acting skills for this special presentation.
Sample Program
Soloist
Peter Simon has established himself as one of America’s major pianists. From Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to small towns across America, to Spain, France, Norway, Finland, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Korea and Japan, across a range of powerfully personal composers – Beethoven, Schumann, Liszt, Gottschalk, Gershwin – Peter Simon displays an astonishing virtuosity and genius in transporting a composer’s soul and musical spirit to the audience. The last student of legendary pianist Jorge Bolet, Peter Simon’s unique musical programs and sensitive artistry make him in demand as well as repeat performances wherever he goes.
Pianist/Entertainer
The New Victor Borge!
Peter Simon has thrilled audiences of all ages from cruise ships to concert halls to fundraisers with his musical virtuosity and entertaining humor. This award-winning musician expresses both the serious and lighter side of classical and popular music in an original and colorful style, making for a delightful evening of fun, laughter and exquisite music. He has been compared to a new Victor Borge.