Skip to page content

Lady Jeanne Galway

About this Artist

An accomplished flutist, LADY JEANNE GALWAY continues to grace the international platforms 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 orchestras such as Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver, and the National Symphony. 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.

Appearing regularly as the premiere flute duo partner with her husband Sir James Galway, the two delight audiences and bring a rare freshness to the platform, unique in the music world. The 2009 / 10 season sees Lady Galway joining her husband with a series of international tours and music galas in celebration of his 70th birthday.

The celebrations began last summer in the U.S.A. at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony, Leonard Slatkin, and friends; and the Ravinia Festival with James Conlon and the Chicago Symphony. Lady Galway performed at the National Flute Association, where her husband was recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. She ran her own masterclass at the NFA event and joined her husband for the world’s largest flute performance. She returned later in the season to perform with the Madison Chamber Orchestra and Dallas Symphony. September 2009 festivities included a live performance in Belfast with Sir James on the BBC Proms in the Park with the Ulster Orchestra and young flutists.

Other international concerts included tours of Switzerland, France, Germany, England, Ireland, and Italy, where Lady Galway will join her husband for a special anniversary concert at La Scala. There will also be celebrations in Asia, performing in Japan and Singapore.

In addition to her highly successful career as a soloist, Lady Galway is also an accomplished chamber musician, touring regularly with her trio Zephyr (pianist Jonathan Feldman and cellist Darrett Adkins). Alongside their concert performances, they look forward to sharing their expertise as a group with the chamber musicians of tomorrow. The group’s first recording, Zephyr – Winds of Romance, includes works by Haydn, [FIX THIS]Martinu°, and Weber. Last year Zephyr presented a varied program of works by Françaix, Debussy, Damase, Gaubert, and Liebermann, the latter of which was commissioned for the group by Sir James.

Lady Galway also continues to collaborate in recital with Phillip Moll and a varied array of ensembles. Her versatile concert engagements include performances in the presence of the Empress of Japan, HRH the Earl and Countess of Wessex, TRH the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Queen of Norway, the Queen of Spain, and, most recently, while on tour in Israel, a private performance for President Shimon Peres.

Actively pursuing her love of teaching, Lady Galway dedicates much of her time to working with the younger generation through her articles, masterclasses, and recordings. She is co?founder of the Galway Junior Network, an interactive website aimed towards the younger, less advanced flutist, offering tips and advice on flute playing, performing, and career management. Both Sir James and Lady Galway direct their International Flute School in Weggis, Switzerland each summer, which gives them the opportunity to personally nurture students of all levels.

Lady Galway serves as a patron to the charity Future Talent, headed by the Duchess of Kent. Her versatile concert engagements are often for fundraising events for UNICEF, SOS, FARA, and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

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 of New York City’s Mannes College of Music, Lady Galway lives with her husband, Sir James Galway, in Switzerland. She is currently performing on a new 18-carat gold Nagahara flute.