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Being James Galway

An intimate and revealing portrait of Sir James Galway, charting his rise from humble beginnings to the top of the classical music world. Narrated by Jeremy Irons.

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 is given unique access to Galway at home and on tour.

Galway was born in Belfast at the outbreak of the Second World War and established himself performing with the top London orchestras in the 1960s before becoming first flute with the Berlin Philharmonic. In the mid-70s 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 Galway speaks frankly about his life and career and puts his success down to hard work and daily practice. The documentary captures Galway 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.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 12 Sep 2015 22:25

Clip

Music Played

  • James Galway & Claudio Scimone

    Flute Concerto in E Minor Allegro Maestoso

  • James Galway & Claudio Scimone

    Flute Concerto in E Minor 3 Rondo Russo allegro Vivace scherzando

  • Claudio Scimone & James Galway

    Konzert fuer floete und Orchester nr 1 G dur kv 313 3 rondo tempo di Minuetto

  • James Galway & Michael McHale

    Allegro Malinconico

  • James Galway & Michael McHale

    Sonata for fluite 3 Presto Giocoso

  • Leonard Bernstein & London Symphony Orchestra

    Shostakovich Symphony No 5

  • Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, James Galway & Juri Gilbo

    Flute Concerto in E minor 1 Allegro Maestoso

  • Claudio Scimone

    Flute Concerto in E Minor 3 Rondo Russo allegro Vivace scherzando

  • Herbert von Karajan

    Don Quixote - fantastic variations for Cello, viola and orchestra - The battle with the sheep

  • James Galway & The Chieftains

    The Humours of Kilfenora

  • Philharmonisches Ensemble Baden-Baden & James Galway

    Brian Boru's March

  • Festival Choir

    Abide With Me

  • James Galway

    Lord of the Rings Return of the King: The Fellowship Reunited

  • James Galway

    Linen and Lace

  • James Galway

    Annie's Song

  • James Galway

    Danny Boy

  • James Galway

    Flight of the Bumblebee

  • Marcel Moyse

    Free Ride

  • Berliner Philharmoniker

    Metamorphisis

  • Berliner Philharmoniker

    Symphony No 3 in E Flat

  • James Galway & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    Horro Staccato

  • James Galway & Jeanne Galway

    Sonata for two flutes

  • James Galway & London Philharmonic Orchestra

    Waiata Poi

  • James Galway

    Ave Maria

  • James Galway

    Pie In The Face Polka

  • James Galway

    Syrinx

  • James Galway

    Andante et Rondo

  • James Galway

    Ibert Concerto

  • James Galway

    Danny Boy

  • Philharmonisches Ensemble Baden-Baden & James Galway

    Brian Boru's March

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest James Galway
Narrator Jeremy Irons
Participant Melvyn Bragg
Participant Bill Whelan
Participant Leonard Slatkin
Director Brendan J Byrne
Producer Tony Curry
Executive Producer Michael Fanning
Executive Producer Justin Binding
Executive Producer Greg Sanderson
Executive Producer Sarah Ryder

Broadcasts

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