Sir James Galway has inspired countless flutists and music lovers throughout the world. Since 1975, when Sir James launched his solo career, he has continuously performed with the world's leading orchestras and conductors, participated in chamber music engagements, popular music concerts and given master classes.
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, TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, TRH The Duke 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 Denver, 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 master classes, commissioning new works for the 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 them the opportunity to personally nurture students of all levels. Sir James also has been collaborating with Conn-Selmer, Inc. in the development and production of a new, high quality flute called “the Galway Spirit.” He devotes much of his free time supporting charitable organizations such as SOS, FARA, Future Talent, Swiss Artistic Foundation, The Caron Keating Foundation and UBICEF, with which he holds the title of special representative.
Sir James continues to be honored for his accomplishments. In December 2009, he was appointed the first ever Artist Laureate with the Ulster Orchestra; 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 Honors Program. Irish America Magazine also awarded Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway the “2008 Spirit of Ireland” award recognizing 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 awards 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 honored 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 also given the President's Merit Award from the Recording Academy at the Grammy's 8th Annual "Salute to Classical Music." He was also honored 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.
