EA Music helps honour Dr Sir James Galway

Members of EA City of Belfast Youth Orchestra (CBYO) and Advanced Chamber Ensemble performed before a distinguished audience at Ulster’s Belfast campus. Sir James was a founding member of the CBYO and was delighted to receive this honour in this the orchestra’s 70th Anniversary year. 

At a special ceremony held at Ulster University’s Belfast campus on Saturday 15 November, the University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on world-renowned flautist Sir James Galway. The distinction, representing the University’s highest honour, was awarded in recognition of Sir James’s extraordinary contribution to classical music, his international artistic influence, and his enduring connection to the city of his birth.

Born in Belfast in 1939, Sir James’s musical journey has taken him from local flute bands to principal flautist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and onward to an unprecedented global solo career. Known internationally as The Man with the Golden Flute, he has sold more than 30 million albums, inspired generations of musicians, and remained a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. His lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent continues through his and Lady Jeanne Galway’s teaching and masterclasses, executed through their Galway Flute Academy. 

Guests were welcomed by the EA Music Belfast Advanced Chamber Ensemble, who performed a selection of classical pieces as the audience took their seats. The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, comprising 80 talented young musicians, then accompanied the academic procession with a stirring rendition of “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov. 

The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra returned to close the musical programme with an uplifting performance of “Lord of the Dance” by Irish composer Ronan Hardiman, arranged by Larry Moore.  

All at EA Music extend their congratulations and best wishes to Sir James and Lady Galway.