Acclaimed Ambient Composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland Shares Dementia Diagnosis
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram on September 23, renowned ambient composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland, aged 80, alongside his wife, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, announced his dementia diagnosis. This news also marked the revelation that his upcoming tour will be his final one.
Living with a Cognitive Disorder
“For a while now, we have been managing – privately, that is – my diagnosis of a cognitive disorder known as dementia,” revealed Glenn-Copeland. The couple elaborated on the impact of the disease, specifically mentioning the effect on his memory and spatial capabilities.
“It does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love,” asserted the American-born, Canada-based artist.
Challenging the Mainstream Narrative
The couple expressed their desire to challenge the conventional portrayal of dementia, which often focuses solely on loss. Despite the diagnosis, they found themselves undergoing a significant creative renewal, leading to projects such as writing a book, adapting a musical, and creating a children’s TV show.
Glenn-Copeland’s Musical Journey
With a musical career spanning five decades, Glenn-Copeland’s work encompasses jazz, folk, new age, and ambient genres. His 1986 album ‘Keyboard Fantasies’ experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2015 after being discovered by a Japanese audiophile and reissued.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, his calming compositions provided solace amidst the chaos, leading to a renewed interest in his music. Subsequently, in 2023, he released his first album in two decades, ‘The Ones Ahead’.
Legacy and Inspiration
The documentary ‘Keyboard Fantasies’ in 2019 captured Glenn-Copeland’s art and life, prompting reflections on the beauty of his music. As one of the first openly transgender musicians, he continues to inspire many and contribute to projects celebrating trans artistry.
The upcoming tour dates for Glenn-Copeland are as follows:
- 26/09 Montreal, Quebec – Rialto Theatre
- 28/09 New York, NY – TRANSA: A Celebration at Performance Space New York
- 30/09 Brooklyn, NY – Pioneer Works
- 05/10 Saugerties, NY – Opus 40
Follow Meena Sears, Mixmag’s Digital Intern, on Instagram for more updates.
FAQs
Q: What is Beverly Glenn-Copeland known for?
A: Beverly Glenn-Copeland is acclaimed for his contributions to ambient music and his diverse musical career spanning jazz, folk, and new age genres.
Q: How did Glenn-Copeland’s 1986 album gain popularity?
A: His album ‘Keyboard Fantasies’ experienced a resurgence after being rediscovered by a Japanese audiophile and reissued in 2015.
Q: What recent projects has Glenn-Copeland been involved in?
A: Despite his dementia diagnosis, Glenn-Copeland has been engaging in creative endeavors such as writing a book, adapting a musical, and creating a children’s TV show.
Credit: mixmag.net
