World-renowned flautist Sir James Galway has made an emotional return to his hometown of Belfast, where he is set to be honoured with an honorary doctorate this weekend.
The 85-year-old musician, who grew up playing in the city's flute bands, will receive the prestigious award from Ulster University on Saturday in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to classical music, his international artistic influence, and his enduring connection to Belfast.
From Belfast Streets to International Stages
Sir James Galway's musical journey began humbly on the streets of Belfast, where his first instrument was a tin whistle won from a lucky dip at a local toy shop called the Wendy for just 3p or 5p. He fondly remembers sharing this tin whistle with other children in his neighbourhood to practise together.
The artist, popularly known as "The Man with the Golden Flute", progressed to a wooden flute kept in his family home before eventually acquiring his first silver flute at just nine years old. His early musical education came from his uncle Joe, who invited him to join the Onward Flute Band - an experience that initially left the young Galway amazed that he couldn't hear himself play amidst the other musicians.
His passion was such that he would eagerly await his uncle's return from work, "blowing a flute in his ear before he had even sat down to have dinner".
A Career Spanning Berlin Philharmonic to Elton John
From these modest beginnings, Sir James's talent propelled him to the highest echelons of classical music. He achieved the prestigious position of principal flautist with the Berlin Philharmonic and has since sold more than 30 million albums as a solo artist throughout his distinguished career.
His collaborations read like a who's who of musical excellence, having worked with diverse artists including opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, folk icons The Chieftains, and pop superstar Sir Elton John. He has performed in concert halls across the globe, yet maintains that Belfast "will always remain part of my musical heritage".
Reflecting on his upcoming honour, Sir James told the PA news agency: "It is something very special and something that I feel I will cherish for a long time because you don't get these things for nothing. I am looking forward to it."
Maintaining Connections Through Teaching and Memory
The ceremony holds particular significance as it takes place at the university's Belfast campus, located near where Sir James grew up and where he played with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra as a child. He recalls with pride his time in what he describes as "this little orchestra" that performed special arrangements of classical pieces.
He expressed amazement at how far the youth orchestra has developed, noting: "Later on, years later, I met them in Berlin and they were playing Beethoven's Fifth, the whole thing. I thought this orchestra has come a long way since I was playing in it. I never thought I would see the day that Belfast had such a great youth orchestra."
Even at 85, Sir James continues to teach students from around the world, describing the satisfaction of witnessing rapid progress in young musicians. "It is great when you see a kid standing in front of you, and the same kid a month later, you wouldn't believe your ears," he said, adding with characteristic humour: "Of course, I really put their nose to the grindstone."
As he prepares to receive his honorary doctorate on Saturday 15 November 2025, Sir James Galway's homecoming represents both a celebration of his remarkable international career and a testament to the enduring influence of his Belfast roots.
