Council Pays Tribute To 'Man With The Golden Flute'

Belfast City Council will be honouring one of the city's most famous artists, as part of the first ever Belfast Music Week, next week.

On Wednesday, September 15, virtuoso flautist, Sir James Galway, will be travelling back to his native city for a special reception marking his 70th birthday year, his illustrious career achievements and the significant contribution he had made to Belfast.

Born in Belfast in 1939, Sir James became one of the first flautists to establish an international solo career, and is one of the most recorded and respected classical artists performing today.

The reception is being hosted jointly by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Pat Convery, and the council's Development Committee.

Councillor Conor Maskey, Chairman of the Development Committee, who will present Sir James with a gift on behalf of the people of Belfast, commented: "We are very proud to be inviting Sir James Galway back to his home city. He has made such a tremendous contribution to Belfast not only in terms of the positive profile which he has brought to the city through his talents, but also the very real sense of inspiration that he has given to generations of young musicians here.

"Belfast's music has always received high international praise and we're proud to be celebrating one of our finest musician's considerable achievements during the first ever Belfast Music Week."

Sir James commented: "Growing up in Belfast gave me an education which set me on the road to a successful life. I don't mean Mountcollier or Saint Paul's schools, but the city itself.

"For me, Belfast was a wonderful place to grow up in and is a great place to visit. It is always a pleasure for me to visit and refresh the memories of my youth."

The reception will take place in the Group Space in the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street at 7:30pm on September 15. A limited number of places are available for members of the public to attend the reception on September 15. Those interested should contact: culture@belfastcity.gov.uk or telephone: 028 90 500512 by September 9.

The reception is part of Belfast Music Week which will see more than 100 gigs, featuring local artists and bands staged at some 30 venues across the city from September 12 - 19. Organised by Belfast City Council - with support from the European Regional Development Fund, through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Competitiveness Programme - Belfast Music Week will showcase both new and existing bands, songwriters and DJs, across all musical genres.

(KMcA/GK)