Sir James Galway, “The man with the golden flute”,
a living legend, the most influential flutist of our time,
celebrates 70.

To mark this occasion, Sony BMG will be releasing a special celebratory CD in his honor titled “James Galway Celebrates 70 – A collection of personal favorites”. Among the nineteen tracks, especially chosen by Sir James, are collaborations with friends he has worked with over the years. Cleo Laine, Henry Mancini, Phillip Moll, Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, The Chieftans and Lady Jeanne Galway, to name a few.

Galway's artistic engagement across musical boundaries has been a hallmark of his music-making ever since he embarked upon his solo career in 1975. He has inspired countless flutists and music lovers throughout the world.

Coinciding with his 70th Birthday, and in keeping with his devotion to teaching, Sir James has been collaborating with Conn-Selmer, Inc. in the development and production of a new, high quality student flute – aptly called ‘The Galway Spirit’.   This flute has features that most pros envy - decorative rings, engraving and even a jewel in the head joint crown.  It is wrapped in modern quality, playability and design and will be available through Conn-Selmer dealers worldwide beginning in September of 2009.


John Wiley & Sons, Inc., in conjunction with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, is pleased to announce the publication in the Fall of 2009 of a new memoir from Sir James Galway.   Entitled The Man with The Golden Flute: Sir James, a Celtic Minstrel, the book will be published on October 25, 2009.

A new DVD with I Solisti Veneti, conducted by Claudio Scimone, sees Sir James performing the Vivaldi concerti alongside his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, in the Palazzo Ducale in Venice, Italy. This Hardy Classic Video release concurs with this year’s events.

The music world salutes Sir James with a series of International Tours and Music Gala’s.

The Birthday celebrations begin this Summer in the U.S.A. at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony, Leonard Slatkin and friends; The Ravinia Festival with James Conlin, the Chicago Symphony, Lady Jeanne Galway and a special performance with two-time Grammy-nominated Cuban music group, Tempo Libre. The National Flute Association recognises Sir James with their Lifetime Achievement award and a weekend full of festivities in New York, featuring the worlds largest flute event. He returns later in the season to perform with the Madison Chamber Orchestra and the Boston, Detroit and Dallas Symphonies.

The September festivities include a return to Sir James’ hometown of Belfast, performing live on the BBC Proms in the Park with the Ulster Orchestra, The Chieftans, Lady Jeanne Galway and young flutists.