On November 20, 2024, the KKL Luzern set the stage for a memorable gala celebrating the 85th birthday of the legendary flutist Sir James Galway. The evening, rich with humor, nostalgia, and world-class music, was a testament to Galway’s unparalleled influence on the classical music world and his enduring charm as a performer.
A Night of Laughter and Music
The gala opened with Galway’s signature blend of mischief and virtuosity. The highlight for many was his performance on the penny whistle, playing the jig from the film Cursed to Judgement Day. With its swift tempos and Irish flair, Galway’s spirited rendition captivated the audience, who were quick to laugh at his playful antics, including a humorous pause where he feigned stress mid-performance. His wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, visibly moved, was not the only one wiping tears of emotion. This intimate moment reminded the audience of Galway’s ability to connect deeply through music.
Top-Class Performers Gather to Honor Galway
The celebration brought together some of the finest musicians from the classical world. Performances by flutists Karl-Heinz Schütz and Gareth Davies, piccolo soloist Nicola Mazzanti, and harpist Anneleen Lenaerts demonstrated artistry of the highest caliber. The event also featured graduates of the Galway Flute Academy, showcasing the lasting impact of Galway’s mentorship.
Performed by Karl-Heinz Schütz (flute) and Anneleen Lenaerts (harp).
Gareth Davies, principal flutist of the London Symphony Orchestra, shared a touching story about how Galway inspired his journey as a flutist. Recalling a 1979 children’s television program where Galway famously stated, “Playing the flute is easy,” Davies admitted it became the spark that set his musical career in motion. When reminded of this statement at the gala, Galway, with his characteristic wit, clarified, “I didn’t say playing the flute well was easy,” to the delight of the audience.
Musical Milestones Revisited
The evening’s program featured iconic pieces from Galway’s illustrious career. With the Festival Strings Lucerne under the direction of Daniel Dodds, Galway performed beloved selections, including The Lord of the Rings Suite and The Pink Panther theme by his late friend Henry Mancini. The finale was a poignant medley of Irish folk songs, performed by the Festival Strings, 17 flutists, and the Galway couple, leaving the audience with goosebumps.
Full Program
- Georg Friedrich Händel: Sinfonia from Solomon HWV 67 “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”
- Anonymous: Brian Boru’s March from Ireland, arranged for flute and strings
- Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major BWV 1049: 1. Allegro
- Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for 4 Violins, Orchestra, and Basso Continuo in E Minor Op. 3 No. 4 RV 550, arranged for 4 flutes, orchestra, and basso continuo from James Galway
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto for Flute, Harp, and Orchestra in C Major K. 299: 2. Andantino, 3. Allegro
- Benjamin Britten: Simple Symphony for String Orchestra Op. 4: 1. Boisterous Bourrée
- John Corigliano: Voyage for Flute and String Orchestra (1971/1983)
- Ralph Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves for 2 flutes, harp, and string orchestra (1934)
- Howard Shore: The Lord of the Rings Suite for flute and chamber orchestra from The Lord of the Rings
- Henry Mancini: The Pink Panther Theme
- Henry Mancini: Penny Whistle Jig from The Molly Maguires
- Henry Mancini: Baby Elephant Walk from Hatari!
- David Overton: Galway Fair
Artists and Program Highlights from the Sir James Galway 85th Birthday Tribute Concert
The celebratory gala concert honoring Sir James Galway’s 85th birthday featured an extraordinary lineup of renowned musicians and rising stars from the Galway Flute Academy. The artists and performances included:
Artists:
Sir James Galway – Legendary flutist and celebrated honoree
Lady Jeanne Galway – Renowned flutist and lifelong collaborator
Karl-Heinz Schütz – Solo flute, Vienna Philharmonic
Gareth Davies – Solo flute, London Symphony Orchestra
Nicola Mazzanti – International piccolo virtuoso
Anneleen Lenaerts – Harpist, Vienna Philharmonic
Galway Flute Academy Competition Winners:
Chris Boyadjiev – USA/Bulgaria
Zeynep Canay – Turkey
Louis Liu – New Zealand
Valerie Teresa Walter – Germany
Program Highlights:
J.S. Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
Performed by Daniel Dodds (solo violin) and Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway (flutes).
W.A. Mozart – Concerto for Flute and Harp
Performed by Karl-Heinz Schütz (flute) and Anneleen Lenaerts (harp).
John Corigliano – Voyage
Performed by Gareth Davies (flute).
Ralph Vaughan Williams – Greensleeves
A stunning collaboration featuring Karl-Heinz Schütz, Gareth Davies, Anneleen Lenaerts (harp), and orchestra.
Film and Traditional Works
Highlights included Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings Suite, Henry Mancini’s Pennywhistle Jig, and the traditional Brian Boru’s March, all performed by Sir James Galway.
David Overton – Galway Fair
A grand finale featuring Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, 15 flutists from the Galway Flute Academy, and orchestra.
A Global Tribute
The gala also included heartfelt video messages from notable figures across the globe. Andrea Bocelli, Liam Neeson, Ian Anderson, Bill Whelan, Van Morrison, and Monica Mancini were among those who paid tribute to Galway’s legacy, reflecting on his profound impact on both classical and popular music.
A Charismatic Farewell
As the evening drew to a close, Galway placed his penny whistle into his jacket pocket and waved a white handkerchief to the audience, signaling a heartfelt farewell. The standing ovation that followed was a fitting tribute to a musician whose artistry has shaped the image of the flute worldwide.
A Life in Music and Inspiration
Sir James Galway’s 85th birthday gala was more than a celebration of his longevity; it was a celebration of his lifelong dedication to music, his inspiring mentorship, and his role as a beloved ambassador for the flute. With humor, warmth, and unmatched artistry, Galway proved that his golden flute continues to shine brightly.
Flute Almanac extends its heartfelt congratulations to the legendary Sir James Galway on his upcoming 85th birthday on December 8th!
As a trailblazing artist, educator, and ambassador of the flute, Sir James has inspired generations of musicians and touched the hearts of audiences worldwide with his unparalleled artistry.
We wish him continued health, happiness, and boundless joy in all his endeavors. May his passion for music and dedication to the flute community continue to inspire us all for many more years to come!
