I recently gave an interview to Mark Mann for ARTINFO via the telephone using an interlocutor and some of the questions we discussed gave me food for thought which I would like to put to you… In respect of my worldwide travel Mark was interested in knowing how I maintain practise and did I have any routines to keep myself … Read More
Randolph Peters: ‘Musicophilia’ | North America review: Blouin Artinfo
Dame Evelyn Glennie listens to music with her whole body, just not with her ears. Though technically deaf, the renowned percussionist developed a technique of playing with the vibrations in her instruments and environment, and after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1985, she pioneered a career as the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. She … Read More
Randolph Peters: ‘Musicophilia’ | North America Review: The Vancouver Sun
The Vancouver Symphony launched its 2013/14 season — officially its 95th — Saturday at the Orpheum with relaxed confidence and optimism. A ceremonial, celebratory mood was enhanced by an evening free of heavyweight standard repertoire and by a brand-new commission. Start-up concerts come with obligatory add-ons — in this case the national anthem and a protracted spate of speeches, all … Read More
Eric Ewazen: Concerto for Marimba & Strings | UK Review: Cambridge News
There is a stone of white marble on the Cambridge Backs, tucked beneath a tree in King’s College, which bears a short rhyming poem by Xu Zhimo. “Quietly now I leave the Cam,” the poet begins (in Silas Brown’s translation), tendering a farewell to the river, the city, and “the clouded Western sky aflame.” Zhimo’s poem conveys not only the … Read More
Deeply Honoured
Every so often I am deeply moved to receive the most poignant and beautiful comments from friends, colleagues and supporters. The below, composed by Rachel, Tennant, is one of those and I am honoured and delighted to share it with you. Evelyn Embraced by obscure objects of musical desire you are a minuet, arms held high ready to dive into … Read More
Áskell Másson: ‘Konzertstücke’ & Jennifer Higdon: Percussion Concerto | UK Review: Shropshire Star
Music is a gift and the Llangollen Eisteddfod brought three incredibly gifted musicians to the Royal International Pavilion last night. Percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie, the Royal harpist Claire Jones and rising opera star, Noah Stewart brought three different genres to the stage. Dame Evelyn opened the concert when, accompanied by the Eisteddfod’s own orchestra, she showed us her talents as … Read More
James Macmillan: ‘Veni, Veni, Emmanuel’ | UK Review: The Scotsman
In one epic programme celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra had a package most orchestras would spread over several concerts. Not only that, this awesome playlist – from Elgar to Wagner overtures via three heavyweight concertos – was put together in just two weeks. The task was made easier by the fact that three mainstream conductors – Donald Runnicles, … Read More
Are you coming from the heart?
Since I began learning and playing percussion, and indeed piano and clarinet, there has been a fascination about how I can possibly accomplish these things with a severe hearing loss impairment. In the early years it was inconceivable that I would be able to participate, let alone carve a new career as a solo percussionist. Over the years I have … Read More
Alexis Alrich: Marimba Concerto & Vivaldi: Piccolo Recorder Concerto in C |UK Review: Bachtrack
[Glennie gave] an electric performance of composer Alexis Alrich’s Marimba Concerto, its UK première. World-premièred in Hong Kong in 2009 by the Hong Kong City Orchestra, this action-packed piece injected fresh energy into the whole room. It is one of the most interesting concert compositions I have seen on stage in Bristol and it stole the show. Alrich’s style, “California Impressionism”, … Read More
Poor Me!
At the beginning of the week I accidentally cut my first finger on my right hand on the sharp edge of a tin lid that I had foolishly left in the washing up bowl. I have been amazed at how such a tiny cut has become so debilitating. So many things we take for granted are suddenly made much more … Read More