A living legend of the flute, Sir James Galway is regarded as the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire. Through his extensive touring, and over 30 million albums sold, Sir James has endeared himself to millions worldwide.
Belfast born, Sir James studied in London and Paris before embarking on his prestigious orchestral career with Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House, the BBC, the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra, and then as solo flutist with the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan. Since launching his solo career in 1975 he has performed with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors and shared the stage with an amazing array of entertainers.
He has performed for numerous dignitaries and members of the royal family, including Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Charles, the Princess Royal, Princess Diana, Pope John Paul II, Presidents Clinton and Bush (Sr and Jr), the Empress of Japan, and President Peres of Israel.
Sir James continues to commission new works for flute and to publish articles, flute studies and books, including a publishing collaboration with Southern Music. He also devotes much of his free time to supporting charitable organizations such as SOS, CLIC Sargent, Future Talent, Youth Music (UK), and UNICEF. Among his many honors and awards for musical achievement are the Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award, a Classic BRIT Award, a Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Gold Medal in the Arts. Most recently he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music at the University of Miami. Sir James received an OBE in 1979 and a knighthood in 2001.
For more information, visit www.jamesgalway.com.