Kenneth Simpson

Kenneth Simpson, a native of Ottawa, obtained a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Ottawa in 1985 under the guidance of Ian Bernard, Timpanist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Further study continued over a long period with renowned teacher/performer Pierre Beluse of McGill University in Montreal.

As a student, Mr. Simpson won the prestigious NACO Bursary Award in 1983, as well as the Isobel Firestone Scholarship at the University of Ottawa in 1984.

Mr. Simpson was engaged as Percussionist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Principal Percussion of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and as Professor of Percussion at the University of Ottawa until his retirement in 2021.

Also very active in chamber music, Kenneth made several appearances on the NAC’s Music for a Sunday Afternoon, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Music and Beyond, and was a member of the Capital Brass Works.

Through the NAC, Mr. Simpson was very involved with Music in the Schools as part of the Percussion Duo "Bangers and Smash" and as clinician. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Music Festival, and is an endorser for Zildjian Cymbals in Boston, Mass.