The piece, Joan Tower’s “Strike Zones,” was masterfully written and brilliantly performed. Most captivating were a couple of solos by Glennie (cadenzas if you will). The first was a virtuoso display on the high hat cymbals. Later came a powerful and complex build up on the drums. The ever graceful Glennie wasn’t the only percussionist actually. Toward the end of … Read More
Vincent Ho: ‘The Shaman’ | North America Review: La Liberté, May 2014
(Translated from French) Ms. Glennie manages to sing these instruments with a touch of great delicacy allowing it to reach a sublime musicality that transcends the materiality of instruments.
Don’t Cry for Me
There are some experiences in life that nothing can prepare you for. No amount of reading, watching or studying will create a sense of anticipation or understanding of what you are about to encounter. Back in December 2010, together with 22 other people I climbed a mountain. Some of us were from the UK, some from Africa, and some were disabled; … Read More
A Feast for the Senses
We’re surrounded by sound, art and movement, which feed through every aspect of our world. From media to architecture, advertisement to passing car radios, we’re engulfed in a multitude of sounds and images that either plague or delight our senses. From buskers to classical music, pavement art to fine ‘gallery’ art – the range is broad and getting broader every day. … Read More
What’s Your Immediate World?
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
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
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
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
Talking Heads
Two snare drums having a chat in a sunny auditorium. The little one said “I really like this room. It is nice and bright.” The big one said “Might be OK now, but later on you’ll get your head bashed!”
When Michael met Kai…
Last week I met with Kai Steensgard and Michael Hansen. They are a dynamic duo who have created and built the Aluphone I used to perform the beautiful Caliban’s Dream to accompany the lighting of the flame at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. The instrument was conceived when Kai and Michael met at a trade fair. They got together following a friendly … Read More