Percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, was made a dame by the Queen yesterday.

Tony Jones
Percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12, was made a dame by the Queen yesterday.

In a career spanning more than two decades she has composed numerous original works, regularly performs around the world and often plays more than 60 instruments during a single live performance.

She was born in Aberdeen and went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music and later became the world's first solo percussionist.

Asked what her inspiration was at the beginning of her career she replied: "I just wanted to do it, it felt right to me to follow that type of career ."

She added: "My deafness was more of an issue with the press and I suppose it helped to get me noticed but at the end of the day you've just got to focus on what you want to do."

The author Salman Rushdie was also knighted by the Queen yesterday. Muslims condemned the award when it was announced last year in the Monarch's Birthday Honours list.

Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen was another recipient at the investiture ceremony and was made a Companion of Honour for services to drama and equality.