JULY/AUGUST 2000
www.celtic-connection.com
JAMES GALWAY JOINS SEATTLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOR UNIQUE PERFORMANCE
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RISH flutist James Galway is internationally regarded as both a matchless interpreter of the classical music and a consummate entertainer, whose charismatic appeal crosses all musical boundaries.
With his unique sound and superb musicianship, Galway has reached vast and diverse audiences, creating enthusiastic new fans for classical music.
His varied repertoire ranges from Bach and Vivaldi to Twentieth Century music, jazz, and the traditional Irish folk melodies which are his signature.
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Galwaj' mastered his first musical instrument - the penny whistle - as a small child. His serious musical training began with lessons on the violin, but that instrument was quickly abandoned in favour of the flute.
When, at the age of 12 years old, he won the three first prizes at a single flute competition, he made the decision to pursue a musical career.
Following a short apprenticeship as a piano tuner, Galway won a scholarship that enabled him to continue his studies at the Royal College of Music in London.
He later studied at London's Guildhall School, at the Paris Conservatoire, and privately with the great flutist Marcel Moyse in Vermont.
Quaint Seattle House Holds Celtic Treasures
Galway began his career with a series of orchestral positions, the first with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre's Wind Band at Stratford-on-Avon.
He also played in the orchestras of the Sadler's Wells Opera Company and the Royal Opera House, as well as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, before being appointed principal flutist with the London Symphony Orchestra.
This led to a similar position with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and then, in 1969, to his appointment as principal flutist of the renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan.
In 1975, after six years with the Berlin Philharmonic, Galway decided to establish a solo career. Since that time, he has played more than 120 concerts, and appeared as a concerto soloist with London's four major orchestras.
EVELYN MURRAY
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
SEATTLE - Evelyn and Hugh Murray, the genial and hospitable owners of Galway Traders Irish Import Shop in Seattle, have been established in business for the past 17 years.
The shop is located in a house and when you enter the front door visitors have the feeling of entering someone's living room. There are several rooms, each with different and exciting merchandise.
One room has a large selection of souvenirs, another hand loomed and hand knit Aran sweaters, yet another room contains linens and laces, pottery and china. Compared to many other Irish import stores, the Galway Traders carries one of the largest selections oi Celtic tapes, CD's and books in the Pacific Northwest.
Fortunately, the day that I dropped into the Galway Traders both Evelyn and Hugh Murray were in the shop. I asked Evelyn about their backgrounds and how they started their thriving Celtic import business.
In 1979, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his musical contribution to society.
In the fall of 1998, RCA Records released a collaboration with award-winning Irish recording artist, Phil Coulter, entitled Winter's Crossing.
This album features a special narration by Oscar-nominated actor, Liam Neeson, and offers a unique blend of Celtic melodies with original compositions for flute and piano, inspired by the profound bravery of the Irish immigrants who first sailed to America.
The release of Winter's Crossing, follows the success of Galway and Coulter's 1997 debut effort, Legends, which spent a total of 29 weeks in the Top Five of Billboard's World Music Chart.
In celebration of St. Patrick's Day 1999, Galway and Coulter again joined forces in an evening of music and spoken word, celebrating the people of Northern Ireland, entitled Both Sides Now.
The benefit performance to help the victims of violence in Northern Ireland was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on March 14, and then performed again on St. Patrick's Day at the White House in Washington.
One of the most successful contemporary recording artists, Galway has a discography of more than 50 albums.
He has the distinction of being one of the first classical artists to release an enhanced CD featuring a two-CD set of music along with a CD-Rom portion for personal computer that includes video segments of him at home, conversations about his professional and personal life, a brief interactive interview, and an extensive discography.
James Galway joins the Seattle Symphony Orchestra on July 13 and 14 for a special performance at Bernaroya Hall as part of the Summertime Classics Series when he will join the . For tick-ets, call (206) 215-4747.
She said, "my husband Hugh was born in Ballina, County Mayo and I come from the part of Germany that is now Poland. Hugh and I met in Germany, married and decided to move to the United States. On one of our visits back to Ireland, we visited the famous Foxford Woollen Mills in Foxford, County Mayo and it was after seeing the beautiful blankets and throws that we decided to import some of the woollen products.
"We bought this house for our shop, mainly because it had a fireplace and we could burn some turf in it on weekends to give the store a traditional feel and atmosphere. We started importing more jewellery, pottery, lace and souvenirs after an American gentleman came into the store one St. Patrick's Day and wanted a shamrock for his lapel. When I told him we didn't have any shamrocks but he should try the Hallmark store for one, he looked at me in disbelief and said, " this is an Irish store and you don't have any shamrocks?"
Hugh is a retired psychiatrist, who now works as a consultant for social security. He also takes care of the accounts and orders merchandise for the Galway Traders. Evelyn is kept busy with customers and ensures that the shelves are stocked and merchandised and is responsible for the beautiful selection of Celtic products.
When you drop in to Galway Traders be prepared to take some time to browse from room to room. There are some unique and interesting Celtic items to see...It's one of my favourite shops in Seattle.
Galway Traders is located at 7518 - 15"'. Avenue N.W. in Seattle. For more information, call (206) 784-9343.
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