Dame Evelyn Glennie
Percussionist
Dame Evelyn Glennie is the first person in history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest orchestras, conductors and artists. She fondly recalls having played the first percussion concerto in the history of The Proms at the Albert Hall in 1992, which paved the way for orchestras around the world to feature percussion concerti. She had the honour of a leading role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Evelyn regularly provides masterclasses and consultations designed to guide the next generation. She is also a leading commissioner of over 200 new pieces for solo percussion for many of the world’s most eminent composers. The film ‘Touch the Sound’ and her enlightening TED speech remain key testimonies to her approach to sound-creation.
Evelyn was awarded an OBE in 1993 and now has over 100 international awards to date, including the Polar Music Prize and the Companion of Honour. Evelyn continues to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life. Her masterclasses and consultations are designed to guide the next generation.
Evelyn is currently embarking on the formation of The Evelyn Glennie Collection. The vision is to open a centre that embodies her mission to Teach the World to Listen. She aims to ‘improve communication and social cohesion by encouraging everyone to discover new ways of listening as proven in her book ‘Listen World!’. We want to inspire, to create, to engage and to empower’.
Lifelong Learning with Dame Evelyn Glennie
In this video, Evelyn Glennie shares the importance of lifelong learning and staying curious. Learning pushes our boundaries, connects us with others, and enhances our well-being. As a musician, Dame Evelyn embraces new challenges, finding great satisfaction and purpose. At City Lit, a diverse community and face-to-face interactions foster true learning and connection. Music and learning are universal connectors that improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Remember, it's never too late to start learning.
Dame Evelyn Glennie Becomes Patron of the City Lit Percussion Orchestra
In January 2024, City Lit was thrilled to welcome acclaimed solo percussionist and City Lit Fellow Dame Evelyn Glennie to the College as she became Patron of the City Lit Percussion Orchestra. Part of our Centre for Learning Disability Education and run in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music, the Orchestra enjoyed an inspiring afternoon of music‑making, performance and creative exploration. Dame Evelyn joined the musicians to rehearse and perform Terry Riley’s In C, led a masterclass on “finding your own sound story,” and shared her unique collection of handmade sticks and mallets. The session ended with a lively jam alongside Royal Academy of Music volunteers, an unforgettable experience for students and tutor Alex Thomas alike. Dame Evelyn now joins a distinguished group of City Lit Patrons, marking a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration and musical discovery.
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