Being James Galway

An intimate portrait of Sir James Galway, regarded by many as the finest flautist of his generation.

The programme charts his remarkable rise to the top of the classical music world from humble beginnings with a Belfast flute band, and provides a glimpse behind the scenes of James Galway at home and on tour.

Born in Belfast at the outbreak of the Second World War, he established himself performing with the top London orchestras in the 1960s before becoming first flute with the Berlin Philharmonic.

In the mid-Seventies he took the unusual step of leaving to launch a solo career and became a household name with the release of his instrumental version of John Denver's Annie's Song.

He has sold more than 30 million albums and, at the age of 75, continues to tour the world performing to packed houses and giving masterclasses to the next generation of world-class flute players.

In the programme, James Galway speaks frankly about his life and career and puts his success down to hard work and daily practice.

The documentary captures him backstage, in rehearsal and performing, and at his home overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland with his wife and fellow flautist, Jeanne.

The programme is narrated by Jeremy Irons and contributors include broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, Riverdance composer Bill Whelan and the conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Leonard Slatkin.

Being James Galway is a Below The Radar TV production for BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Four and RTÉ. The programme was directed by Brendan J. Byrne and produced by Tony Curry. 

Publicity contact: MD