Sir James Galway
Sir James Galway, "The man with the golden flute", a living legend, the most influential flutist of our time.
Belfast born, Sir James went on to study in London and Paris before embarking on his orchestral career in such prestigious orchestras as the Sadlers Wells and Royal Covent Garden Operas, The BBC, Royal Philharmonic and London Symphonies, and taking up the coveted position of solo flautist with the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert Von Karajan.
Since 1975, when Sir James launched his solo career, he has continously performed with the world's leading orchestras and conductors, participated in chamber music engagements, popular music concerts and given materclasses. From Galway's lip have come definitive treatments of classical repertoire and masterworks by Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart. He also features comtemporary music in his programs, including new flute works commissioned by him and for him by composers such as Amram, Bolcom, Corigliano, Heath, Lieberman and Maazel.
Sir James has played for such dignitaries as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, President Clinton, President George W. Bush, President George H.W Bush, President Mary McAleese, Prince Charles, HRH The Princess Royal, The Empress of Japan, The Queen of Norway, Princess Diana, HRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, HRH The Duke of and Duchess of Kent, and most recently President Shimon Peres, and shared the stage with an amazing array of entertainers including Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, John Denvor, Elton John, the Chieftains, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Jessye Norman, Cleo Laine and Andrea Bocelli. He performed with Pink Floyd in their memorable concert at the Berlin Wall, was part of the Nobel Peace concert in Norway and performed at the G Seven summit hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace.
Alongside his busy performing schedule he finds time to share his wisdom and experience with the generations of tomorrow by conducting annual masterclasses, commissioning new works for flute, publishing articles, books and flute studies. Both Sir James and Lady Galway direct their International Flute School in Weggis, Switzerland, each summer, which gives thems the opportunity to personally nurture students of all levels. His website www.jamesgalway.com is devoted to all students, educators and flute lovers worldwide.
Sir James devotes much of his free time supporting charitable organisations such as SOS, FARA, Future Talent, Swiss Artistic Foundation, The Caron Keating Foundation and UNICEF, with which he holds the title of special representitive.
Sir James continues to be honoured for his accomplishments. He was inducted in the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame in June 2008 and was the recipient of the 2008 UMS Distinguished Artist Award at the 13th Annual Ford Honours Program. Irish America Magazine also awarded Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway the "2008 Spirit of Ireland" award recognising them for their roles as musical ambassadors.
Sir James was named the 1997 Musician of the Year by Musical America and has received Record of the Year from Billboard and Cash Box magazines, as well as the Grand Prix du Disque for his recordings of the Mozart Concerti.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England has honoured him twice: in 1979 with an Order of the British Empire and in 2001 with a Knighthood for services to music. In 2004, Sir James was given the President's Merit Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammy's 8th Annual "Salute to Classical Music". He was also honoured at the prestigious Classic Brits Awards held in London's Royal Albert Hall in 2005, where he received the coveted "Outstanding Contribution to Classical Music" award.
As one of the most recorded classical artists performing today, Sir James has made himself a legend, a modern musical master whose virtuosity on the flute is equaled only by his limitless ambitions and vision. Through his extensive touring, over 30 million albums sold and frequent international television appearances, Sir James has endeared himself to millions worldwide. As an instructor and humanitarian, Sir James continues as a tireless promoter of the arts.