James Galway at 75

David Mellor, Sunday 7 December 2014. Tonight David celebrates the Man with the Golden Flute.

Tonight, on the eve of the 75th birthday of Sir James Galway, David Mellor presents a two-hour celebration of 'The Man with the Golden Flute'.

Sir James was the first flute player to become an international superstar. After an incredible career, and 30 million album sales, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the Gramophone Awards 2014.

GALLERY: Sir James Galway - a life in pictures > 

Born in Belfast, he was inspired to take up the flute by his father, grandfather and uncle who all played the instrument. As a teenager he studied flute at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music. 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. He then landed the top job in the world for any flautist - as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's principal flute under Herbert von Karajan. Six years later, he departed to pursue a spectacular career as a soloist. His engaging personality and brilliant playing made him a household name.

On the show, David features many of Sir James's finest recordings, as well as music by his friends and greatest influences. 

James Galway in conversation at Foyles
Thursday 11th December 2014 7 - 8:30pm
107 Charing Cross Road, London

Gramophone's Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, the legendary flautist Sir James Galway will be discussing his glittering career and musical partnerships, in conversation with Gramophone Editor-in-Chief James Jolly. Following the talk Sir James will be signing copies of his CDs, which will be available to purchase on the evening.

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