As part of the 2015-16 Cambridge Classical Concert Series, renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie entertained an enthralled audience in the Corn Exchange in Cambridge last night. Accompanied by Philip Smith on piano she performed a number of varied pieces and in between was interviewed by well-known radio presenter, journalist and author Libby Purves.

Evelyn exuded such enthusiasm, talent and intuitive appreciation of what it is to be a real percussionist that the listeners were left in awe as she deftly created amazing sounds from the stack of different and unusual percussion instruments that filled the stage. The wide range of tone, her astounding technique and the contrasts of volume and emotions she managed to produce were phenomenal.

When she stopped playing to talk to Libby, she immediately spoke with utter involvement and joy. Libby had a real knack for making Evelyn feel at home and with only a brief prompt we were taken into the astounding world of this unique musician.

When Evelyn was accompanied by Philip, the sounds she created with her percussion instruments merged perfectly with the astute variety of touch Philip demonstrated in his piano playing. After all, the piano is a percussion instrument and Evelyn demonstrated this by joining Philip in a delightful piano duet for a well-deserved encore to this fantastic evening.

Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge
26 April 2016