Evelyn Glennie

Biography

Dame Evelyn Glennie, CH is the first musician to create a full-time career as a solo percussionist. She performs internationally with the world’s finest orchestras and ensembles. In 1992, Evelyn performed the first percussion concerto in the history of the Proms in London, paving the way for future generations of percussionists and composers. Evelyn had the honour of a playing a leading role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in collaboration with director, Danny Boyle. In 2018, Evelyn has built upon this inter-disciplinary experience by composing the score for Gregory Doran/The Royal Shakespeare Company’s visionary new production of Troilus and Cressida and joining forces with Jazz Trio ‘HLK’ among a roll-call of other superb sound and performance artists. With over 90 international awards and honours to date, including the Polar Music Prize, the Companion of Honour and several GRAMMYS, Evelyn is also a leading commissioner of new works for solo percussion, with more than 200 pieces to her name. Her solo recording discography extends to over 40 CDs, The film ‘Touch the Sound’ and her TED speech remain testimonies to her approach to sound-creation and listening. Evelyn is committed to realising her mission – to Teach the World to Listen – while developing a public centre that ‘encourages everyone to discover new ways of listening, thereby enhancing communication and social cohesion.