Acclaimed Flutists Return to Join Southern Miss Symphony March 31

World renowned flutists Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway will return for their third performance with The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra as part of a special concert on March 31 in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus.

The acclaimed duo appeared free-of-charge for their second performance in 2006, as a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert. Next month's concert, set for 7:30 p.m., will mark the 10-year anniversary of that evening of recovery.

Dr. Jay Dean, music director for the Symphony Orchestra, notes that artists of this caliber pick and choose when and where they want to perform with the entire world as their stage. Thus, when artists of this stature agree instantly to return for another concert, it represents international validation of the work being done at Southern Miss. 

“Having internationally known artists of this caliber perform with our orchestra is another in a long list of life-changing opportunities that we are able to provide to our students,” said Dean. “Also, performances of this caliber uplift our entire university, community and state.”

Born in Belfast, Sir James ranks as the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire. He is a consummate performer whose appeal transcends all musical boundaries, and he has sold over 30 million recordings worldwide. He maintains an extensive international touring schedule, makes numerous television appearances, and is a passionate promoter of the arts and music education. 

Sir James' musical interpretations cover everything from classical masterpieces to commissions, and his performances have set the standard for flutists all over the world for four decades. He has played on movie soundtracks such as “Lord of the Rings,” and played with popular musicians like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell and Sir Elton John. The variety of Galway's performances reflects his extensive musical range, and has established him as global personality.

Sir James studied in London and Paris before beginning his orchestral career in London. He won the position of solo flutist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan in 1969. After leaving that position he became one of the very first flutists to achieve an international solo career. Since 1975 he has performed with all of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. 

He has also recorded and released 97 CDs. Today he maintains an intense international touring schedule, and continues to appear at major concert venues on every continent. This year he opened the season at London's Royal Albert Hall with a sold-out concert. Also this season he has concert tours in Asia, Europe and the United States.

In 1979 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire, and in 2001 he was knighted for Services to Music. He has received many honors and awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gramophone (2014), the Classic Brits Award (2005), the National Concert Hall Dublin Award (2013), the Grammy President's Merit Award (2004), and he has been added to The Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame (2008).

He also has numerous gold and platinum recordings. In celebration of Sir James' legacy to music, Sony Classics has honored the “Man with the Golden Flute” with the release of a special box set containing all 71 of his Sony/RCA CDs.

Alongside his intense performing schedule, he devotes much of his free time to educational programs, which include the Galway Flute Festivals held around the world, and his own online flute community, the First Flute Network that allows students, teachers and others access to Sir James' expertise.  

Lady Jeanne Galway continues to grace the international stages with her virtuosity. One of the leading female flute soloists of the decade, Lady Galway brings to the audience her unique style and elegance.

Her touring schedule regularly takes her to many of the major cities in the U.S. to perform as soloist with the Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver and the National Symphony. She will also be performing at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Internationally, she has appeared in the cultural capitals of the world including London, New York, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Salzburg, Zurich, Dublin, Belfast, Tokyo, Beijing and Singapore. She will be featured in a US Televised documentary ‘Flutelandia'.  

She has recorded to critical acclaim for RCA Victor, BMG Classics and Deutsche Grammophon. Irish America Magazine awarded Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway the “2008 Spirit of Ireland” award in recognition for their roles as musical ambassadors.

A native of New York and graduate and former member of the Flute Faculty of the New York City's Mannes College of Music, Lady Galway lives with her husband, Sir James Galway in Switzerland. She performs on a new 18-carat, James Galway edition' gold Nagahara flute.

Tickets for this performance are available at the Southern Miss Ticket Office, 601.266.5418 or www.southernmisstickets.com.