Grammy-winning percussionist Evelyn Glennie reveals that being deaf has only inspired her to do better.
She refuses to define her style of music believing instead that music is eclectic. Evelyn Glennie, one of the world's most renowned solo-percussionists, exudes so much perseverance towards her profession that it completely nullifies the fact that Glennie has been certified profoundly deaf since the age of 12.
The Grammy winner who has performed with prominent artists like Bjork insists that her deafness has only pushed her to create an individual musical voice for herself. "Initially, it was all about watching people perform and participate. I started performing with my school orchestra and when my curiosity about instruments began to build, I started demanding one instrument after another," says Evelyn.
An unconventional profession then, Evelyn acknowledges that percussion has grown tremendously over eras like Baroque, Classical Symphony and Mozart. "I can see a huge difference in my own music since I started performing with orchestras in the 1980's and now. I've realised that with percussion, it is impossible to endure a particular style or symphony for too long. You're constantly experimenting," she asserts.
Articulating her interest in Indian instruments including the tabla and mridangam she adds, "They all have something interesting and different to say." India heard from Evelyn for the first time 10 years ago when she extensively toured around Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata which was one of her most exciting tours. "It was a percussion-cum-piano performance I put up and I was extremely happy with the way Indian audiences accepted my music. They were extremely open-minded and hospitable," she recollects.
For someone who performs with an astoundingly large variety of orchestras and musicians, touring the world and giving over a 100 concerts a year, Evelyn is modest enough to consider herself neither a child prodigy nor maestro. Supporting various charity organisations for the deaf and disabled, Evelyn explains, "Be it deafness or a disease like Parkinson's, music can alleviate any kind of physical or mental trauma."
Evelyn who performed at the Commonwealth Games this year with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is currently touring the US and will then hold a grand world premiere in Strasbourg.
