Dubbed the “man with the golden flute,” flutist Sir James Galway has made his way to Seoul to launch the inaugural “Galway Flute Festival in Korea,” slated to be the country’s largest ever flute festival from Jan. 18 to 24.

A man from humble beginnings, the 76-year-old virtuoso from Belfast took his flute playing to unforeseen heights and is known as one of the world’s foremost flutists. In 1979 he was awarded with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honor, and subsequently a Knighthood for Services to Music in 2001. 

Galway has sold more than 30 million records worldwide, was a recipient of the Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2014 and held the coveted title of soloist for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for six years from 1969.

“I never thought I would be in an orchestra like that,” said Galway during an interview with The Korea Herald on Wednesday, recalling the first time he heard a recording of a flute solo by the Berlin Philharmonic.

“As a matter of fact, at that point in my life at 12 years old, I didn’t think I could be in an orchestra,” he continued. “I thought I would be earning a living like every other kid, working in the shipyard, building a new Titanic.”

Galway and his wife, fellow flutist Jeanne Galway, are gearing up to perform the Galway Flute Festival opening gala concert, “On the Couch with Sir James Galway,” on Jan. 18 at the Seoul Arts Center.

Looking to create a “nonclassical” atmosphere, the format of the upcoming concert is anything but a typical classical music performance. Rather, the show is aiming to be easily relatable to both classical music aficionados and novices alike.

The opening gala event will feature a number of short movie clips about the legendary classical musician, along with on-stage interviews with the Galways between pieces to give audience members an opportunity to get to know the music legend on a more personal level.

“It’s a rather unusual concert,” said Galway. “Normally in classical concerts people don’t talk, but this seems to be a departure from that.” 

“A lot of times people don’t know what to expect at classical concerts -- they’re not so comfortable -- so I think talking to them (the audience) ... you can explain the pieces in your own way,” Jeanne Galway added.

Performing both classical and popular music pieces, the concert will not only feature traditional flute repertoires, but also tunes from popular movie scores including “The Godfather,” “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Pink Panther.”

“Everybody will know the stuff that I play,” said Galway.

As part of the Gonjiam Music Festival, the upcoming Galway Flute Festival will also include a six-day master class workshop led by the Galways.

“Anybody can teach the flute, but not everybody has the experience that I have,” said James.

“His expertise is unmatchable,” his wife added.

Ticket prices for the “On the Couch with Sir James Galway” concert range from 30,000 won ($24.70) to 120,000 won. For more information on the concert or the Gonjiam Music Festival, visit www.gonjiamfestival.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)