Ben Simon's parents sent him to Yale to become a doctor, but Ben rebelled, pursuing his dream to become a professional musician. After Yale, Juilliard and years playing the viola, Ben took up the baton and became the conductor and music director for the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. Confronted by waning interest in classical music, Ben began a campaign to attract new devotees. He has dispatched with many of the stodgy constraints associated with orchestral music and has continued a tradition of offering free admission to concerts. With passion, tenacity and joy, Ben and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra continue to bring the delights of classical music to children and adults throughout the bay area.