By EMILY GILMORE

Sir James Galway, who is known as "The Man With the Golden Flute," will live up to his nickname when he plays with conductor Leonard Slatkin and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center next week.

The internationally acclaimed Irish flutist, who owns 15 gold flutes, bought a gold alto flute to play a piece by English composer Dave Heath, and he'll break out that same instrument once more as he performs the premiere of Fred Jonny Berg's "Flute Mystery" concerto in Washington.

The Norwegian composer dedicated the piece to Galway.

"He sent it to me as a manuscript, and I had a look at it and told him I would try and program it," Galway said in a phone interview from his home in Switzerland.

His voice is gentle, his manner gracious. And the 66-year-old virtuoso definitely has a jovial sense of humor, but he's deadly serious in his dedication to his instrument.

Though his career spans more than 40 years, Galway still practices scales each day, no matter what. Incredibly versatile and known for his showmanship, he includes both classic and modern pieces in his repertoire. And those who are not familiar with his interpretations of Bach's sonatas may have heard his version of John Denver's "Annie's Song" or his contributions to the soundtrack of "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."

He and Slatkin, who have worked together for many years, are always looking for new pieces to play, Galway said, "so we thought ['Flute Mystery'] might be a good thing."

People send him music "all the time--I wish they'd stop," he said with a hearty laugh. "You know, everybody thinks that if I play their piece they'll be an overnight hit. Boy, have I got news for them."

He's flattered people regard him that way, but, he said, he can't do much for hopeful composers if there isn't a conductor who is receptive to new things, as well.

Galway is excited about the challenge of being the first to play "Flute Mystery" for an audience. The composition, which the composer calls a "symphonic poem," also calls for a harp and full orchestral strings.

Galway will lend his unique sound to pieces by Rossini, Strauss and Mozart in Washington, as well.