James Galway Named Presidential Scholar

CORAL GABLES, Fla., March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sir James Galway, the internationally acclaimed flautist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, is joining the Frost School of Music as a Distinguished Presidential Scholar, as part of an initiative introduced by UM President Julio Frenk.

"Sir James Galway is a world-class artist and educator who enriches our world through the power of music. The University of Miami is honored to welcome him as one of its inaugural Distinguished Presidential Scholars. Students from the Frost School of Music and from our entire community will benefit greatly from his creativity, proficiency, and dedication," said Frenk.

As an endowed talent, Galway will conduct his first Master Class on March 9 with Trudy Kane, associate professor of flute at the Frost School of Music.

"We are so delighted to welcome Sir James Galway to the Frost flute studio," Kane said. "It is a thrilling opportunity for our flute students and the entire Frost community. We look forward to interacting with him and learning from his lifetime of experience."

As a Distinguished Presidential Scholar, Galway will instill his talents in various settings, including performances and lectures, among the students, faculty and staff. Regarded for his diverse talents as an interpreter of the classical flute repertoire, Galway is also noted as an entertainer with the ability to span generations and genres.

"This is the most exciting thing happening to me since I left the Berlin Philharmonic," Galway said. "I am looking forward to sharing all the experience I have had in the last 40 years with the students and faculty of this distinguished school."

"Sir James Galway is one of the greatest musicians of our time, who embodies a panoply of Frost School ideals—performance at the highest level of artistry, breadth of style, dazzling stage presence, entrepreneurship, and citizenship. It is a thrill to have his imprint on our students, faculty, and culture," said Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music.

One of the most highly regarded musicians in the world, Galway has sold more than 30 million recordings worldwide and has collaborated with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, and Sir Elton John. His musical talents can also be heard throughout television and film soundtracks, including "The Lord of the Rings."

"The idea of introducing new talent is to infuse our environment with the world's best thinkers and doers," said Berg. "And Sir James Galway is certainly fitting to take on the role."

SOURCE University of Miami