At a special ceremony held at Ulster University’s Belfast campus on Saturday 15 November, the University conferred an Honorary Doctorate on world-renowned flautist Sir James Galway. The distinction, representing the University’s highest honour, was awarded in recognition of Sir James’s extraordinary contribution to classical music, his international artistic influence, and his enduring connection to the city of his birth.
Born in Belfast in 1939, Sir James’s musical journey has taken him from local flute bands to principal flautist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and onward to an unprecedented global solo career. Known internationally as The Man with the Golden Flute, he has sold more than 30 million albums, inspired generations of musicians, and remained a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. His lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent continues through his and Lady Jeanne Galway’s teaching and masterclasses, executed through their Galway Flute Academy.
Reflecting on receiving the honorary degree, Sir James Galway said:
“Coming home to Belfast for this honour has meant a great deal to me. This city shaped who I am – musically, personally, and in every sense – and its influence has stayed with me throughout my life and career. To stand here today and receive recognition from Ulster University, at the heart of a vibrant and ambitious new Belfast, is deeply moving.
"The University plays such an important role in inspiring and empowering young people – helping them to find their path, grow in confidence, and follow their passions. I hope today reminds the next generation of musicians and artists that their creativity has purpose, their voice has power, and their dreams are worth pursuing.”
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“Sir James Galway’s impact on the world of music is immeasurable. His artistry, his innovation and his generosity as an educator have inspired audiences and musicians across the globe. It was a privilege to recognise his achievements here in Belfast, the city where his remarkable story began.
"Early in his career, he helped to establish the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, creating opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland to learn, perform and dream beyond the limits of their circumstances. That commitment to nurturing talent reflects the values of this University and the transformative power of education and the arts.”
Dr Colin Davidson, Chancellor of Ulster University, added:
“Sir James Galway has carried the spirit of Belfast onto the world stage with distinction and humanity. His journey from his early musical roots to international acclaim resonates deeply with the University’s mission to foster talent and create opportunity. It was an honour to recognise his lifetime of artistry and the inspiration he continues to bring to audiences around the world.”
A Musical Celebration
The ceremony included a rich programme of musical performances celebrating Sir James Galway’s remarkable contribution to music and culture.
Guests were welcomed by the EA Music Belfast Advanced Chamber Ensemble, who performed a selection of classical pieces as the audience took their seats. The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, comprising 80 talented young musicians, then accompanied the academic procession with a stirring rendition of “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov.
The Ulster Orchestra Horn Quartet followed with a performance of “Fanfare for Sir James Galway”, a new composition by Professor Frank Lyons created to mark the conferral of his Honorary Doctorate. The piece draws inspiration from Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major, a work closely associated with Sir James through his celebrated recording with harpist Marisa Robles.
The Ulster University Choir, featuring 40 voices under the direction of Dr Shaun Ryan and accompanied by pianist Gail Evans delivered moving performances of Randall Stroope’s choral setting of W.B. Yeats’s poem ‘He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’ – and “O Danny Boy”, arranged by Bob Chilcott.
The City of Belfast Youth Orchestra returned to close the musical programme with an uplifting performance of “Lord of the Dance” by Irish composer Ronan Hardiman, arranged by Larry Moore.
The ceremony concluded with a reception and an exhibition featuring materials linked to Sir James’s collaborations, including elements from his work with composer John Corigliano on the Pied Piper Fantasy. The exhibition is open to the public and available to view until 5pm on Sunday 23 November.
