James Galway is a flautist from Belfast, United Kingdom, who becomes one of the best-known classical flute soloists of his generation. Born in 1939, he is also known by the nickname “The Man With the Golden Flute”.

Early training and orchestral work

Galway goes to London as a teenager to study the flute. He studies at the Royal College of Music with John Francis, then at the Guildhall School of Music with Geoffrey Gilbert. He continues his training at the Paris Conservatoire under Gaston Crunelle and Jean-Pierre Rampal, and also studies privately with Marcel Moyse.

After his education, he spends fifteen years as an orchestral player. He performs with the Philharmonia Orchestra as it rises to prominence in the 1950s. He also auditions for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan and serves as principal flute of that orchestra from 1969 to 1975.

Solo career

After leaving the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Galway pursues a solo career and becomes one of the first flute players to establish an international career as a soloist, following in the footsteps of Jean-Pierre Rampal. He remains an active performer and is regarded as one of the leading classical flute players.

Other work

Galway serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the London Mozart Players, based at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, South London. He also performs on the soundtracks of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy as part of the Academy Award-winning ensemble recording.

Personal life

He lives in Meggen, Switzerland, with his U.S.-born wife, Jeanne, who is also a flute player. They often tour together as a duo, accompanied by Phillip Moll on piano.