Sir James Galway
Belfast born, Sir James Galway 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 continuously performed with the world's leading orchestras and conductors, participated in chamber music engagements, popular music concerts and given masterclasses. From Galway's lips have come definitive treatments of classical repertoire and masterworks by Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart. He also features contemporary 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, 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 masterclasses, 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. 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 organizations such as SOS, FARA, Future Talent, Swiss Artistic Foundation, The Caron Keating Foundation and UNICEF, with which he holds the title of special representative.
Sir James continues to be honored 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 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 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.
www.jamesgalway.com
Lady Jeanne Galway
An accomplished flutist, Lady Jeanne Galway continues to grace the international platforms with her virtuosity. One of the leading female flute soloists of the decade, Lady Galway brings to the audience her unique style and elegance.
Her touring schedule regularly takes her to many of the major cities in the U.S. to perform as soloist with orchestras such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver and the National Symphony. Internationally, she has appeared in the cultural capitals of the world including London, New York, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Dublin, Belfast, Tokyo, Beijing and Singapore.
Appearing regularly as the premiere flute duo partner with her husband Sir James Galway, the two delight audiences and bring a rare freshness to the platform, unique in the music world.
In addition to her highly successful career as a soloist, Lady Galway is also an accomplished chamber musician, touring regularly with her trio Zephyr (pianist Jonathan Feldman and cellist Darrett Adkins). Alongside their concert performances, they look forward to sharing their expertise as a group with the chamber musicians of tomorrow. The group's first recording Zephyr - Winds of Romance, includes works by Haydn, Martinu and Weber. This year Zephyr will present a varied program of works by Francaix, Debussy, Damase, Gaubert and Liebermann. The later of which was commissioned for the group by Sir James. Lady Galway also continues to collaborate in recital with Phillip Moll and a varied array of ensembles.
Her versatile concert engagements include performances in the presence of The Empress of Japan, HRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Kent, The Queen of Norway, The Queen of Spain and most recently, while on tour in Israel, a private performance for President Shimon Peres.
Actively pursuing her love of teaching, Lady Galway dedicates much of her time to working with the younger generation through her articles, master-classes and recordings. She is co-founder of the Galway Junior Network, an interactive website aimed towards the younger, less advanced flutist, offering tips and advice on flute playing, performing and career management. 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.
Lady Galway serves as a patron to the charity Future Talent headed by the Duchess of Kent. Her versatile concert engagements are often for fundraising events for UNICEF, SOS, FARA and Marie Curie Cancer Care.She has recorded to critical acclaim for RCA Victor, BMG Classics and Deutsche Grammophon. Irish America Magazine awarded Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway the "2008 Spirit of Ireland" award in recognition for their roles as musical ambassadors.
A native of New York and graduate of the New York City's Mannes College of Music, Lady Galway lives with her husband, Sir James Galway in Switzerland. She is currently performing on a new 18 carat gold Nagahara flute.
www.jeannegalway.com
