Simon Capet

Originally from England, Capet is part of three generations of classical musicians. "Music was the family trade, and I was also intended to carry the baton -- literally." Capet studied music, specifically conducting, at the Royal College Junior Department, and the Royal Academy of Music. He subsequently held posts as Music Director for the Pegasus Ensemble, Battersea Arts Centre Opera, The Middlesex Philharmonic, and the Harrow Symphony, before moving to Vancouver, Canada, in 1995. He then became Music Coordinator and Assistant Conductor for Vancouver Opera, and Music Director of the Modern Baroque Opera, which he co-founded. It was in Vancouver, now the third busiest film and TV production centre in North America, that he had the opportunity to consider a change in career. "Being here, it became increasingly hard for me to concentrate on music when all around me were people making films. When my contract at Vancouver Opera expired, I decided to stay in Vancouver and go to film school." Capet attended the Vancouver Film School, which subsequently employed him as the administrator for their Acting and Writing programmes. "It was while working for the VFS that I came up with a way to use my new-found filmmaking skills in combination with my experience as a conductor. I would make a short drama about baroque opera. This of course required period costumes, wigs, props, furniture, and the construction of the interior of a baroque opera house. I'm certain that everyone who read my script for 'Evirati' thought I was crazy!" Bonkers or not, Capet preceded to make the half-hour musical drama, and the effort has won much critical and audience acclaim. At the 2000 Vancouver International Film Festival, Capet received the Telefilm Canada Award for "Best Emerging Director of a Short Film." The jury for this award applauded Capet's approach to art, elegance and beauty. "Evirati".