James Galway: pictures from the life of the first international flute superstar
Celebrate the incredible career of the ‘Man with the Golden Flute’ Sir James Galway - from performing with the Berlin Philharmonic to playing with Muppets.
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1. James Galway's childhood
James Galway was born on 8 December 1939 into a poor family close to East Belfast's docks. James's father, grandfather and uncle all played the flute. His uncle began teaching James on a B flat flute - a bit bigger than a piccolo. Young James joined a marching band called the Onward and worked for two years in a piano shop, learning tuning and repairing.
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2. The young orchestral player
As a teenager James travelled to London to study flute at the Royal College of Music and later, the Guildhall School of Music, subsidising his studies by playing gigs. He went on to spend 15 years as an orchestral player - with the Sadler's Wells Opera, the Covent Garden opera orchestra, the LSO and the Royal Philharmonic.
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3. James Galway with the Berlin Philharmonic
Galway auditioned for the Berlin Philharmonic in 1969 under the legendary Herbert von Karajan and, much to his surprise, landed the top job in the world for any flautist - as the orchestra's principal flute. Six years later, much to everyone else's surprise, the 35-year old Galway departed to pursue a career as a soloist. Photo: AP
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4. The first flute superstar
Galway's engaging personality and brilliant playing made him a household name in the 1970s. There was hardly a TV show he didn't appear in, including Top of the Pops. In 1978 he recorded a version of John Denver's ‘Annie's Song’ for his then wife Annie. The single peaked at No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
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5. Dedication to education
Alongside his busy performing schedule, Galway has always made time to share his wisdom and experience with young people. He is pictured here at a Wigmore Hall master class in London in 1978. In 2014, he launched First Flute, an online interactive series of lessons for beginners of all ages. Photo: Getty
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6. Health complications
In 1977 Galway had a very bad accident, breaking both legs and his left arm. He was out of action for many months. He also had a scare in his 50s when it was discovered that he had two blocked arteries and was a major candidate for a heart attack. He had two metal stents put into the arteries and is now in good health.
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7. James Galway the Queen, Bill Haley and Les Dawson
In 1979, Galway was at the peak of his fame, appearing in the Royal Variety Performance with such legends as Bill Haley, Red Buttons, Les Dawson and former ITN newscaster Reginald Bosanquet. What a stellar line-up!
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8. Put that in your pipe...
In 1981, Galway was named Pipe Man of the Year by the Briar Pipe Trade Association and celebrated by smoking a flute-shaped pipe. To this day he says his guilty pleasure is smoking cigars in the afternoon while reading or playing chess. Photo: Getty
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9. James Galway and The Chieftains
He has performed with an amazingly diverse array of musicians including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Jessye Norman, Andrea Bocelli and The Chieftains (pictured). The album 'James Galway and The Chieftains in Ireland' reached number 32 in the UK Albums Chart in 1987. Photo: AP
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10. James Galway on Sesame Street
James Galway has played with the Muppets on a number of occasions. In Sesame Street’s 13th season, he appeared in a segment with Big Bird. He also played a song by 'Johann Sebastian Fox' with the All-Animal Chamber Music ensemble (pictured). He contributed a recipe to Miss Piggy's 1996 cookbook, 'In the Kitchen with Miss Piggy.'
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11. Arise Sir James
Galway received an OBE in 1977, and was knighted in 2001, the first wind player ever to receive that honour. Here he is seen playing a tune to Palace Yeomen after receiving his knighthood from HM The Queen. Photo: PA
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12. Lady Galway
Sir James has been married for more than 30 years to the American flautist Jeanne Cinnante. They often carry out concert tours together and give master classes. They are seen here arriving at the Classical Brit Awards 2005 at London's Royal Albert Hall. Photo: Getty
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13. Outstanding Contribution to Music
At the 2005 Classical Brit Awards, Sir James won the Outstanding Contribution To Music award and performed on stage at the Royal Albert Hall.
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14. By Royal Appointment
Sir James has performed for countless dignitaries including Pope John Paul II, three U.S. Presidents, and HM The Queen. Here Her Majesty greets him during a reception in May 2006 at Buckingham Palace for people over the age of 60 who make a significant contribution to national life.
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15. His 70th birthday
For his 70th birthday in 2009, Sir James performed Ibert's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The concert was conducted by Bernard Haitink, who was also celebrating a significant birthday - his 80th. Photo: AP
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16. Performing at Classic FM Live
Sir James performed at Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall in April 2013. "A good live performance on stage is one with total commitment of the executant," he has said. "My personal approach is to close down all personal thoughts of the day and concentrate on the music."
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17. A dedicated Christian
Sir James is a dedicated Christian who always visits churches while travelling and prays before his concerts. He also wears a cross pendant. “It's not jewellery," he says. "It's something that reminds me of what I should be doing and how I should be behaving.” Photo: Paul Cox.
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18. Sir James Galway and John Suchet
After an incredible career, and an eye-watering 30 million album sales, James Galway was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2014 Gramophone Awards.
