On Deafness and ‘Hearing’ Music: A Conversation

Although it is often presumed that you need good hearing to appreciate music, the act of hearing extends across multiple senses. Tonight we explore how we literally ‘hear’ music. What faculties might compensate if our hearing is impaired? Does hearing loss change the way we ‘feel’ music? Chaired by Queen Mary's Director of Music Paul Edlin, this panel will explore hearing from the perspectives of musicians and physicians. We are joined by the internationally celebrated percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who is the first person in history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. Growing up on a farm in the north east of Scotland, Evelyn became drawn to percussion as her hearing declined because she could ‘feel the sound’. Former QMUL Music Society President and London Chamber Orchestra Music Scholar Atalanta Hersey will reflect on her experiences of performing as an oboist with severe deafness; they are joined by the renowned fortepiano recitalist Professor John Irving (Guildhall School of Music and Drama). President of the British Otology Society and one of the world’s leading ENT hearing specialists, Mr Chris Aldren, contributes insights as a consultant endoscopic ear surgeon with particular interest in hearing restoration.  

#QMConversations

Visit the Queen Mary Conversations Week website for the full programme of events

Image: Dame Evelyn Glennie performs © James Wilson