Paris Simons

Background

About Paris Simons

It's about building relationships and storytelling. I work with people who want to build a legacy for future generations, both for VSO concertgoers and musicians, also for the VSO's community engagement, and in addition for the VSO School of Music programs, supporting students, faculty, and community engagement with the School. Until November 2024, I spent five years researching and writing applications resulting in project and operating grants for the VSO and VSO School of Music, building relationships with public granting agencies and private foundations, and also with some important donors. In addition, I researched and wrote stories for donor newsletters and interviewed several VSO guest artists on video and for print. My work supports the diverse musical, educational, and community engagement activities of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the VSO School of Music, building on my personal connections to music and live performances in the community. Formerly a lawyer, I had experience in civil litigation, mediation, and solicitor's drafting skills. I volunteered for years with a social justice organization (BCTLA), served on different committees, and for five years was an Executive Committee member. I was a university instructor, mostly teaching business law at Capilano University's School of Business and at BCIT for marketing, accounting, and operations management students. Prior to practicing law, I handled marketing and general administration in the arts and cultural sector. I worked with performing arts festivals, dance and theatre companies, musicians and music presenters, and book publishers (Raincoast Books, Talonbooks). For 24 years, I have been a member of the volunteer board of directors of Friends of Chamber Music Society, a wholly volunteer run Vancouver classical music concert presenter. I was board president for 8 years. I deal with Vancouver Civic Theatres, music artists and their agents, and audience members, also doing some writing for the FCM website and social media. I earned an LLB/JD and a BA in English literature from the University of British Columbia / UBC.