A Conversation With James Galway

by Brian O'Donnell

Brian O'Donnell with James Galway

The world-renowned flutist, James Galway was born in North Belfast, Ireland in 1939. The “man with the golden flute”(and very infectious laugh) , however, did not start out playing flute. The violin was his first instrument. Galway talks about that violin experience, searching for penny whistles, classical music in cartoons and movies as a child in Northern Ireland

In 1969, Galway began as principal flute in the Berlin Philharmonic after an audition process which didn’t sit well with him at all. Galway doesn’t skirt around the issue…no sugar-coating here.

In July of 1990, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd put a concert together to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. James Galway was invited to play on that mega-concert there in Berlin at the Wall, one of the only non-rock performers. He also says Queen Elizabeth really knows how to throw a party!

The Science of Classical Music

We’ve all heard it: “Play classical music for your babies! It will make them smarter.” While true, classical music has even more proven health benefits!

Thanks to modern science, we are learning more and more about Bach and Beethoven can foster mental health and overall well-being.

One benefit in a pandemic-stricken world is how classical music helps you connect with others. (even through the radio or internet) The feelings you get when you listen to your favorite piece? Others feel it too. The emotive properties of a beautiful sonata, overture, or symphony can actually help us form relationships with others just by listening. Connecting to your emotions, through music, is a beautiful feeling.

Neurologist Dr. Michael Schneck found that classical music helps relieve anxiety. Another study found that it also increases blood flow by 26%, laughter by 16% and relaxation by 11%. Lowering cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate are all GREAT for your health and listening to your favorite piece can do it all!

There’s also research that suggests listening to music helps make repetitive tasks easier and is why it is sometimes recommended to listen to music at work or while completing chores at home. Having those chores done will help you sleep better at night and classical music can help with both.

The next time you’re stressed, feeling isolated, having trouble with motivation, or in need of a break – WGUC has just what the doctor ordered!

Andy Ellis

Meet Daniel Dorsey

by Elaine Diehl

Cellist Daniel Dorsey, from Cincinnati, Ohio is in his senior year at St. Xavier High School. He studies music with Dr. Sarah Kim and Alan Rafferty through the Cincinnati Young Artists Cello Studio.

Daniel has placed in numerous competitions and has performed as a soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Daniel will perform on the January 9 episode of From The Top (9 a.m. on 90.9 WGUC) and he is a Jack Kent Cook Scholarship Recipient.

Gregory Harrington: Glass Hour

by Elaine Diehl

Glass Hour is the new album by Gregory Harrington that comprises the Violin Concerto No.2 “American Four Seasons” of Philip Glass along with the world premiere recording of Mr. Harrington’s arrangement and orchestration of “The Hours Suite” for violin and orchestra.

Recorded with Mark Shapiro and the Janacek Philharmonic, Glass Hour debuted at #3 in the Classical Billboard Charts.

I had the chance to chat with the Irish violinist about the new album and more.