Recording Academy to Honor Sir James Galway at 8th Annual Salute to Classical Music; Internationally Renowned Flutist Honored with Special President's Merit Award.

Entertainment Editors

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2004

In recognition of his professional achievements, the Recording Academy(R) will pay tribute to flutist Sir James Galway at its Salute to Classical Music luncheon on Thursday, February 5, 2004, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Guests will include prominent members of the classical music community. Academy President Neil Portnow will present the seven-time GRAMMY(R) nominee with the President's Merit Award. Ginny Mancini, Henry Mancini's wife and President of the Henry Mancini Institute, is the Honorary Chair for this event.

The event will begin with a reception in the Tiffany Room at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the Crystal Ballroom, which will feature musical performances by 14-year-old flutist, currently enrolled in the Young Musicians Foundation music program, Michelle Kim (accompanied by Mi Huh on piano), and graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music, flutist Gregory Lawrence Jefferson (accompanied by Phil Smith on piano). Radio personality Rich Capparela (K-Mozart 105.1 FM) will act as the event's master of ceremonies.

"Sir James brings the joy of music to so many people around the world, and remains dedicated to sharing his passion with the next generation of young musicians," said Portnow. "His work is truly inspired. We are so pleased to be honoring a musician of Sir James' caliber and character."

Sir James Galway is regarded as both a supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer. He travels extensively, giving recitals, performing with the world's leading orchestras, participating in chamber music engagements, popular music concerts and holding master classes. In addition to his regular performances of the standard classical repertoire, he features contemporary music in his programs, including new flute works commissioned by and for him. His appeal crosses all musical boundaries. He has exposed classical listeners to folk and pop music, pop fans to more advanced instrumental scores, and children to serious classical pieces.

Galway is the London Mozart Player's Principal Guest Conductor. He plays and conducts with the orchestra on a regular basis. Recent highlights included a performance at St. James' Palace in the presence of the Earl of Wessex, and the LMP's first appearance at the Salzburg festival this August, in which Galway conducted and played as a soloist. Most recently, Galway appears on "The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King" soundtrack.

In addition to his touring schedule, Galway holds master classes annually, and donates much of his free time as President of the volunteer-based, non-profit organization Flutewise. Flutewise assists young people to further their music education by donating instruments to low-income students, setting aside flutes for use by young people with disabilities, and holding events throughout the UK to raise money for various charities.

Among his many accolades, Galway was named Musician Of The Year by Musical America, has received the Record Of The Year award from Billboard magazine, and the Grand Prix du Disque for his recordings of the Mozart Concerti. He was the only classical performer at the 1998 Nobel Peace Concert in Oslo, Norway, sharing the stage with acclaimed musicians Elton John, Phil Collins and Shania Twain. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of England has honored him twice, with an Order of the British Empire (for his services to music) and with a knighthood.

The Salute to Classical Music luncheon will take place as part of GRAMMY Week, a host of events that lead up to the 46th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, February 8, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Previous honorees include Beverly Sills, Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta, Isaac Stern, Marilyn Horne, Van Cliburn and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as the Recording Academy, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers. An organization of musicians, producers and other recording professionals, the Recording Academy is internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, and is responsible for numerous groundbreaking outreach, professional development, cultural enrichment, education and human services programs. For more information, please visit www.grammy.com.

Photo available upon request.