Simon Johnson is Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral and director of its internationally renowned Cathedral Choir, the only Catholic cathedral choir in the world to maintain the daily tradition of sung Vespers and Mass. He previously served for thirteen years as Organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Described by Gramophone as “a brilliant and sensitive musician”, Simon first attracted wide attention through his work establishing the St Albans Abbey Girls’ Choir as one of the leading ensembles of its kind. Since arriving at Westminster Cathedral he has continued to develop the choir’s international reputation, leading tours to the United States and across Europe, including performances in Rome, Hungary and Germany. Under his direction the choir has released two critically acclaimed recordings, with further projects in preparation.

During his time at St Paul’s Cathedral Simon was closely involved in many of the most significant national occasions held there. He performed for senior members of the Royal Family, the Dalai Lama, Prime Ministers and Archbishops, and played for the funeral of Baroness Thatcher. He composed music for both the Diamond and Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and directed music for numerous national services and memorial events, including those for Alexander McQueen and Vidal Sassoon. Through St Paul’s partnerships with leading orchestras he conducted a wide range of major orchestral and choral works. He also founded a pioneering outreach partnership with schools in East London that brought cathedral music-making to thousands of children.

An internationally active organ recitalist, Simon appears regularly in the United States and at major European venues, and made his Royal Festival Hall debut in 2017. In 2023 he served as Chair of the Jury for the prestigious Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition.

He has performed with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and The Sixteen, with whom he made his BBC Proms debut in 2024.

Simon’s extensive discography includes recordings for Decca, Hyperion, Coro, Chandos and Priory. His most recent solo album B-A-C-H: Anatomy of a Motif (Chandos), a double-disc survey of major works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt, Reger and Karg-Elert, received widespread critical acclaim, including Gramophone Editor’s Choice.

Alongside his performing career he is active as a composer and collaborator, with projects ranging from work with NASA and the International Space Station to contributions to the Oscar-winning soundtrack of The Grand Budapest Hotel. In 2018 he was invited to give a keynote address at the Pontifical Council for Culture in Rome.

Simon is also Co-Chairman of the distinguished British organ-building firm Harrison & Harrison Ltd, whose instruments include many of the most celebrated in the United Kingdom and internationally, including those at Westminster Abbey, York Minster and King’s College, Cambridge, and he remains closely involved in the continuing development of some of the world’s finest concert and cathedral organs.