- Beverly Glenn-Copeland announces his dementia diagnosis and final tour
- He remains focused on creative projects, including a book and TV show
- His album Keyboard Fantasies gained recognition years after its release
Canadian composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland has shared that he has been diagnosed with dementia, and his upcoming performances in Canada and New York state will mark his final tour dates. Glenn-Copeland, now 80 years old, made the announcement alongside his wife, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, in a video posted on Instagram.
In the video, the composer sought to reshape the narrative around dementia, stating, “We want to challenge the mainstream image of this illness, which focuses on loss. We are actively asking the universe to show us where is the life here.” Despite the diagnosis, Glenn-Copeland and his wife revealed that they are experiencing “a massive creative renewal,” with plans to write a book, adapt a musical, and develop a children’s television show. Elizabeth described these projects as sources of inspiration that help keep them grounded in their purpose.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland has had a lifelong career in music, including composing for Sesame Street and acting on the Canadian children’s program Mr. Dressup. His 1986 self-released new age album Keyboard Fantasies garnered widespread recognition when it was reissued in 2015, thanks to the efforts of Ryota Masuko, a Japanese collector and audiophile. The album was praised as “modest but stunning” by Resident Advisor and aligned with a renewed global interest in ambient and healing music. This resurgence led to Glenn-Copeland touring and releasing new material, such as his 2023 album The Ones Ahead.
Glenn-Copeland’s late-career resurgence was chronicled in the 2019 documentary Keyboard Fantasies: The Beverly Glenn-Copeland Story, directed by Posy Dixon. His music also appeared in playwright Annie Baker’s 2023 film debut Janet Planet, and his song La Vita was sampled by Romy of the xx for her 2023 hit “Enjoy Your Life”.
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Despite the progression of the syndrome, Glenn-Copeland stated that it has not yet impacted his “ability to be fully in the moment with those I love.” However, his wife, Elizabeth, spoke candidly about the emotional toll the disease has taken. One of the things that’s really painful about this illness is that it is taking Glenn away from me, from us, a little bit at a time. Sometimes for me, as his caretaker and as his wife, it feels like death by a thousand cuts,” she shared. “And yet, as these parts of him go, I see his essential light shining brighter than ever. So, as is often the case in life, amid this sadness, there is also a really profound beauty.”
The Glenn-Copeland couple also faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic when they were unable to tour, which led to them becoming “essentially homeless.” At that time, they reached out to fans for support.
