Evelyn Glennie

Scottish musician, a highly noted deaf percussionist, a consummate musician who is recognized as the "First Lady" of solo percussion. Glennie has an outstanding international career, demonstrated through her remarkable mastery of a huge array of instruments. She takes her audience into the musically rarefied atmosphere of the classical concert hall whether their tastes range from the esoteric avant garde to the popular realm. Glennie began her study of timpani and percussion at the age of 12. In 1982 she entered the Royal Academy of Music in London winning many prizes. She won major awards in 1984 and 1986, a scholarship which took her to Japan. Her work is punctuated by prizes and awards, including that of an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in 1993. Performing internationally, Evelyn has collaborated with indigenous musicians throughout Britain, Ireland and India, has performed with Gamelan orchestra in Indonesia and Samba bands in Brazil. Glennie’s compositions include music for films and television produced in collaboration with Greg Malcangi and she performs under a recording contract with RCA/BMG. She published her autobiography, "Good Vibrations," in 1990. When she is not on the platform she enjoys art/painting, and she is an avid collector of antiques as well as old and new musical instruments. She does not care to be defined by her deafness, which is profound, but by the talent she has developed. With empathy, she sponsors organizations and programs for children with disabilities. Link to Wikipedia biography