Episode description

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and in partnership with #IamRemarkable, Dame Evelyn Glennie visits Google to discuss her career as the world’s premier solo percussionist and how she has learned to listen differently since losing her hearing from childhood.

As a profoundly deaf musician, Evelyn’s significance transcends the discipline of music; her unique skills as expert listener and sound creator have driven progress and innovation in a wide array of contexts on a global scale. She is the first person in history to create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest orchestras and artists. Evelyn has commissioned over 200 new works for solo percussion and has recorded over 40 albums. She regularly provides masterclasses and consultations to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Leading 1000 drummers, Evelyn had a prominent role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games which also featured a new instrument, the Glennie Concert Aluphone. She was awarded an OBE in 1993 and has over 100 international awards to date, including 2 Grammy’s, the Polar Music Prize and the Companion of Honour. She was appointed as the first female President of Help Musicians, and since 2021 she has been Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Visit YouTube.com/TalksatGoogle to watch the video.