Galway Flute Festival: Reflections (Viviana Guzman)

From the moment I landed, I felt that there was something extraordinary about this festival.  The magic starts when you first set your eyes on Lake Lucerne.  Breathing the air, smelling the country fragrances, eating the marvelous salads at Stella Matutina,  are just the introduction, then it becomes even more enchanting.  After the opening concert by Sir James and Lady Jeanne, I was enthralled.  In fact, after every concert I felt myself fall deeper into the blissful spell.  Sir James and Lady Jeanne cast a magical brew that included the daily warm-up, masterclasses, workshops, interviews, more masterclasses, more interviews and nightly concerts;  combine all of this with delightful meals and short swims in the lake, and you have a perfect Fairy Tale setting for flutists.

The Galway Flute Festival brings out the best of everyone, as Sir James and Lady Jeanne, the students and participants turn into a family of support and encouragement.  The evening concerts provide a delightful platform for inspiration.  The generous exhibitors donate the awards and prizes voted on by the class.  In the end, everyone feels included, supported and encouraged.

This was a first-class festival from beginning to end.  Expertly run, with first-rate individuals in every post carefully selected and looked after by Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway.  You come away feeling truly touched by the generous spirit of Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway.  The Galway Flute Festival is a place of myth and magic, where Sir James and Lady Jeanne stand at the helm, waiving their magic wands (their flutes!), enlightening and touching all who gather to listen and learn.

--Viviana Guzman