Sir James Galway
Biography
Born in Belfast, Sir James Galway began playing the penny whistle as a small child before switching to the flute.
He studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, followed by the Paris Conservatory before embarking on his musical career at the Sadlers Wells Opera and the Royal Opera Covent Garden.
Galway has won numerous awards, including the 1997 Musician of the Year by Musical America and Record of the Year awards from Billboard and Cash Box magazines. In 1979 he was honoured with an OBE and in 2001 he received a Knighthood for services to music.
In February 2004, Sir James was given the President's Merit Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammy's 8th Annual 'Salute to Classical Music'.
In his free time, Sir James devotes much of his time to charity work as the president of Flutewise, a volunteer-based non-profit organization which donates instruments (including flutes) to young people with disabilities.
Music
He was a member of the BBC Symphony Orchestra where he played piccolo and he joined the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra where he was Principal Flute.
In 1969 he was appointed Principal Flute of the Berlin Philharmonic where he played for six years. In 1975 Sir James launched his career as a soloist and within one year he had played 120 concerts, including appearances with all the London orchestras. Since then, he has traveled extensively giving recitals, performing with the world's leading orchestras, participating in chamber music engagements, popular music concerts and giving masterclasses.
Sir James has released over 50 albums during his career spanning a variety of styles from the traditional masters to Japanese and Irish folk music. 'Wings of Song', the first under his new recording contract with Deutsche Grammophone, reached number one in the Classical charts only one week after its release.
He also performs on several tracks from the soundtrack for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' composed, orchestrated and conducted by Academy Award-winner Howard Shore.
Sir James Galway on Classic FM
Listen to Sir James Galway talking to Classic FM in September 2008
Listen to Sir James Galway talking to Classic FM in June 2007
Discography
James Galway has recorded an extensive number of works. See James Galway's full discography here
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The Classic FM Interview - Sir James GalwayListen again in full to Nick Ferrari talking to the 'Man With the Golden Flute', Sir James Galway.
Meet flute legend James Galway
Now aged 71 Sir James has as hectic a schedule as ever. He talks about his determination to spread the joy of music making.
