Evelyn Glennie is a pioneering Scottish percussionist renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to music and her unique approach to listening. Born on July 19, 1965, in Aberdeen, Scotland, she grew up on a farm near Methlick in Aberdeenshire. Despite losing her hearing by the age of 12, Glennie developed an extraordinary ability to perceive music through vibrations, often performing barefoot to feel the sound through her body.
Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie |
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Profession | Solo Percussionist, Composer, Speaker |
| Genres | Classical, Contemporary, Experimental |
| Instruments | Percussion (over 600 instruments), notably marimba, snare drum, vibraphone |
| Hearing Loss | Began losing hearing at age 8; profoundly deaf by age 12 |
| Education | Royal Academy of Music, London |
| Career Highlights | • First full-time solo percussionist • Over 40 solo recordings • Performed in 100+ countries |
| Major Awards | • Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE, 2007) • Polar Music Prize (2015) • Léonie Sonning Music Prize (2023) |
| Foundation | The Evelyn Glennie Foundation (focus on the power of listening) |
| Website | www.evelyn.co.uk |
Early Life and Family
Dame Evelyn Elizabeth Ann Glennie was born on July 19, 1965, in Aberdeen, Scotland, to Isobel and Herbert Arthur Glennie, an accordionist in a Scottish country dance band. Raised on a family farm in Methlick, Aberdeenshire, Evelyn grew up with her two brothers, Roger and Colin, in a modest, rural setting. Her upbringing was steeped in the indigenous musical traditions of northeast Scotland, which significantly shaped her musical development. She spoke Doric, the local dialect, and developed a lifelong love for animals. Her early exposure to music came through her father’s involvement in traditional Scottish music, and she began playing the mouth organ, clarinet, and piano at a young age.
Evelyn’s hearing began to deteriorate at age 8, and by 12, she was profoundly deaf. Rather than letting this define her, she adapted, learning to perceive music through vibrations in her body, a technique taught by her percussion instructor, Ron Forbes. This approach allowed her to “hear” music differently, feeling higher notes from the waist up and lower notes from the waist down. She has since emphasized that deafness is misunderstood by the public, viewing it as a characteristic akin to having brown hair or eyes, not a limitation.
Evelyn Glennie Education
Glennie attended Ellon Academy in Aberdeenshire, where she was mentored by Ron Forbes, who formed the Cults Percussion Ensemble in 1976. She was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. At 16, she gained admission to the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying percussion and piano. By 19, she graduated, capturing top awards and setting the stage for her groundbreaking career. Her determination to redefine percussion as a solo genre began during this period.
Evelyn Glennie Career
Evelyn Glennie is the first person in history to create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. Her career, spanning over four decades, is marked by performances with the world’s greatest orchestras, conductors, and artists across 42 countries. She made history in 1992 by performing the first percussion concerto at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, paving the way for orchestras globally to feature percussion concerti. Her debut at the Proms in 1989 included the world premiere of John McLeod’s The Song of Dionysius.
A prolific commissioner of new music, Glennie has commissioned over 200 works for solo percussion from renowned composers, fostering diversity and supporting emerging talent. Her discography exceeds 40 CDs, ranging from percussion concerti to improvisations and collaborations with artists like Björk, Steve Hackett, and Bela Fleck. Notable recordings include Rhythm Song (1989) and The Core-tet Project (2018). She has composed for film, television, and theater, earning a BAFTA nomination for her score for Altamira (2016) and composing for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Troilus and Cressida (2018).
Glennie’s versatility extends to playing the Great Highland Bagpipes, and she has her own registered tartan, “The Rhythms of Evelyn Glennie.” Her role in the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, leading 1,000 drummers and playing the Glennie Concert Aluphone, showcased her global influence. She also collaborated with Underworld on the ceremony’s soundtrack.
Beyond performance, Glennie is a motivational speaker, advocate for music education, and supporter of inclusivity for people with disabilities. She is President of Help Musicians, an Ambassador of Sistema Scotland, and was appointed Music Rights Champion by the International Music Council in 2016.
Awards and Honors
Glennie’s contributions have earned her over 100 international awards, including two Grammy Awards (1989 for Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion and 2001 for Bela Fleck’s Perpetual Motion), the Polar Music Prize (2015), and the Léonie Sonning Music Prize. She received an OBE in 1993, was promoted to Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in 2007, and was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 2017. She holds over 20 honorary doctorates and was the youngest person elected to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1994.
Evelyn Glennie Personal Life
Evelyn Glennie was married to composer Greg Malcangi from 1994 to 2003. She keeps her personal life private, and little is known about her current relationship status or family beyond her parents and siblings. She owns over 2,000 percussion instruments, often performing barefoot to better feel the music’s vibrations. Glennie is also designing her own jewelry line and remains active in philanthropy, supporting music charities like Sound World.
Evelyn Glennie Net Worth
Estimates of Evelyn Glennie’s net worth is $10 million as of 2025. Her income stems from performances, recordings, compositions, and speaking engagements. However, precise details about her salary, property, or assets are not publicly available.
Evelyn Glennie Cars and Lifestyle
No specific information is available regarding Evelyn Glennie’s car collection or personal lifestyle preferences, such as vehicles or residences. She maintains a low profile outside her professional endeavors, focusing on her music and advocacy work. Her lifestyle appears centered on her career, with frequent global travel for performances and masterclasses.
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FAQs
Who is Evelyn Glennie?
Evelyn Glennie is a Scottish percussionist, the first to sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. Profoundly deaf since age 12, she performs globally, has won multiple awards, including two Grammys, and is a leading advocate for music education.
How old is Evelyn Glennie?
As of May 6, 2025, Evelyn Glennie is 59 years old, born on July 19, 1965.
Is Evelyn Glennie married?
Evelyn was married to Greg Malcangi from 1994 to 2003. Her current marital status is not publicly known.
How does Evelyn Glennie perform despite being deaf?
She feels music through vibrations in her body, a technique taught by her instructor Ron Forbes. She performs barefoot to sense the music better and perceives notes in different body parts.
What instruments does Evelyn Glennie play?
Glennie plays over 2,000 percussion instruments, including drums, marimbas, and the Glennie Concert Aluphone. She also plays the Great Highland Bagpipes.
What was Evelyn Glennie’s net worth in 2021?
Evelyn Glennie’s net worth in 2021 was estimated to range between $1 million and $5.5 million, according to various sources. For example, one source reported a range of $1 million to $3 million, while another estimated $1.5 million to $5.5 million. These figures are based on her income as a renowned percussionist, composer, and advocate, though exact details on her assets or earnings for that year are not publicly disclosed.
What was Evelyn Glennie’s net worth in 2022?
In 2022, estimates of Evelyn Glennie’s net worth were similar to 2021, with sources citing figures around $1.5 million to $5 million. One source specifically noted a net worth of $1.5 million, while others maintained the broader $1–5 million range. Her ongoing work, including performances, commissions, and advocacy, likely contributed to maintaining or slightly increasing her wealth.
What was Evelyn Glennie’s net worth in 2023?
For 2023, the most consistent estimate of Evelyn Glennie’s net worth was approximately $3.5 million, as reported by multiple sources. This figure aligns with earlier years, suggesting stability in her financial status. Her income sources included solo performances, composing for films like Sound of Metal, and her role as chancellor of Robert Gordon University, though no significant spikes in wealth were noted.
What was Evelyn Glennie’s net worth in 2024?
In 2024, net worth estimates for Evelyn Glennie showed significant variation. Some sources reported a net worth of $3.5 million, consistent with previous years, while others claimed much higher figures, such as $8 million or even $10 million.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @dameevelynglennie
