Stephen Simon

Stephen Anthony Simon (May 3, 1937 – January 20, 2013) was an American conductor, composer, and arranger. He was known for his advocacy of the music of George Frederic Handel, serving as music director of the Handel Society of New York and recording multiple Handel operas and oratorios for RCA. Simon also gained recognition for his innovative programming of works for orchestra and narrator for young audiences, including his compositions Casey at the Bat and The Tortoise and the Hare. Born and raised in New York City, Simon attended Dalton and Riverdale Schools before earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Yale University. He studied independently with Josef Krips and had a passion for jazz during his college years.