A little bit of history was made last week. I was honoured to be the first percussionist to receive the Léonie Sonning Music Prize.

My acceptance speech included the following:

“I am extremely honoured to address you all this evening. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined standing here receiving an award as important and symbolic as the Leonie Sonning Music Prize.

From the deepest part of my heart, thank you so very much for even considering me for this special award and for having faith in what I am trying to cultivate in my life. My aim is for the effects of this Prize to be felt by many through the work of my Foundation, The Evelyn Glennie Foundation, whose mission is To Teach The World To Listen.”

Watch a short clip of the evening, including the address from Uffe Savery, below:

NEW – watch the film documentary below:

The cash award from the Léonie Sonning Music Prize will be donated to The Evelyn Glennie Foundation.