Evelyn Glennie
Evelyn Glennie
Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie, DBEis a Scottish virtuoso percussionist. She is announced as one of the two laureates for the Polar Music Prize of 2015...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionDrummer
Date of Birth19 July 1965
rap writing collaboration
There are many collaborations I'd like to explore. One is to co-write a rap concerto with Eminem.
diaries
I've kept a diary since I was 11.
interesting lessons percussion
When I was 12, I happened to see a schoolmate playing percussion, and it looked interesting. I asked for lessons, and it felt right.
motivation inspiration mean
If we see someone in a wheelchair, we assume they cannot walk. It may be that they can walk three, four, five steps. That, to them, means they can walk.
thinking people balance
I think I can only help to expose percussion to all sorts of people. The balance between the lighter and more serious side is important.
play orchestra bass
I often play on the cello-bass side of the orchestra, because I prefer the deep sounds. I can't hear the violins well.
thinking pieces composer
A large part of my work has been collaborating with composers; I think we've commissioned about 140 pieces now, a lot of them percussion concertos.
powerful real blood
My favorite instrument is the snare drum. In Scotland, the snare drum is very prominent in Highland bands. The Scottish style of playing is in my blood. It's a very powerful instrument, but it can also be soothing, like velvet. It's a real challenge for composers.
educational land diversity
Scotland has never ceased to amaze the world with its forward vision, bold action and great educational institutions. Nothing makes me more proud than to promote this wonderful land with all its richness and diversity wherever I go.
kind scottish instinct
Apart from Scottish traditional music, I wasn't really influenced by any kind of music. I just basically followed my own instincts.
communication interesting sound
Music is about communication... it isn't just something that maybe physically sounds good or orally sounds interesting; it's something far, far deeper than that.
way profile one-way
A lot of things which come with a high profile will always be criticised one way or another.
london royal musician
And as I grew older, I then auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, and they said, well, no, we won't accept you, because we haven't a clue - you know - of the future of a so-called 'deaf' musician. And I just couldn't quite accept that.
taken journey isolation
I hope the seeds I have sown will be taken up by those who will follow me because the journey I have begun cannot be undertaken in isolation.