Simon Maurer grew up in Switzerland in a family of six children, all of whom became professional musicians. He studied music at the Conservatory in Biel, and continued his violin studies in the U.S. with Geoffrey Michaels and Joyce Robbins.
He studied baroque violin with Elizabeth Field and plays on a baroque instrument from the 18th century.
A founding member of Gabriel Chamber Ensemble, www.gabrielensemble.org, he has performed with the ensemble for 34 years and is the artistic director of the concert series at Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven. Committed to performance and education, the group takes pride in bringing classical music to underserved areas.
As the violinist in the Ravel Trio, a piano trio in existence since 2003, he has done extensive work in the mid-atlantic region and Europe with concerts, residencies, collaborations with dancers, jazz events, wine concerts and much more.
In 2009 Trio Clavino was formed. Simon Maurer Violin/Viola and his long time collegues Xun Pan, piano and Doris Hall Gulati, clarinet enjoy exploring the wonderful repertoire for that formation. The Trio returned from the 4th successful concert tour to China. The Trio was awarded two Fulbright Grants, one in 2014 and one in 2016. Trio Clavino has also toured Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
In 2018 the Pennsylvania Piano Quartet was formed. The group performs in the eastern US and has an ongoing residency at the China Conservatory in Beijing working with young composers developing their skills of composing.
He is the violist in the Kalnas Ensemble
The quartet focuses on Lithuanian roots combined with jazz improvisation.
He currently conducts the ‘Sunday Sinfonia’, a string Orchestra in residence at Albright College Reading Pa. It is a mixed group of Albright Students and Community members, Students attend for credit and pleasure, young and adult amateurs for pleasure. The Orchestra has more than 30 string players participating and presents 4 concerts a year, two at Albright and two in the greater Reading area.
Mr. Maurer ventures in the practice of jazz and free style improvisation. He has been a featured soloist in Philadelphia area jazz clubs, has performed at “Jazzfest” in Schuylkill County. He has recorded numerous projects with folk singers and rock groups: Maggie Pierce and EJ; Zen for Primates, and others.
Mr. Maurer teaches violin, viola and cello in his studio in rural Schuylkill County.
Simon lives on a converted 20 acre YMCA camp, where he built his own 2000 square foot concert hall and enjoys the outdoors. Tennis is the preferred exercise. He has three granddaughters and one grandson.
