University Student Steps In as Substitute Keyboardist for La La Land Concert
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A University of Sydney student performed as a substitute keyboardist for a La La Land in Concert presentation after the original musician fell ill. Sterling Nasa, a 21-year-old politics and music student, was volunteered by a friend and performed a synthesizer solo during the intermission delay. The production team is now seeking permanent replacements for the remaining tour stops.
Facts First
- Sterling Nasa performed a synthesizer solo after the original keyboardist fell ill during a La La Land in Concert show.
- The 40-minute intermission delay occurred after composer Justin Hurwitz asked the audience for a pianist who could sight-read.
- Nasa improvised the solo for the song 'Start a Fire' rather than attempting to play it perfectly on the first try.
- The production team is seeking permanent replacements for the remaining stops on the tour.
- The performance took place at the ICC’s Darling Harbour theatre in Sydney before an audience of 2,500.
What Happened
During a La La Land in Concert presentation at Sydney's ICC Darling Harbour, the original keyboardist fell ill at intermission. The film's composer and conductor, Justin Hurwitz, asked the audience for a pianist who could sight-read a complex score. A friend of University of Sydney student Sterling Nasa volunteered him. Nasa performed the synthesizer solo from the song 'Start a Fire', improvising rather than trying to play it perfectly. The intermission, scheduled for ten minutes, lasted 40 minutes due to the delay.
Why this Matters to You
If you attend live performances, this story highlights the collaborative and sometimes unpredictable nature of theatre. A major production's continuity relied on the skill and willingness of an audience member, which may make you feel more connected to the live event experience. For aspiring musicians, it demonstrates that professional opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and that improvisation and adaptability are valued skills.
What's Next
The tour's production team is seeking permanent replacements for the remaining tour stops. Nasa has returned to his regular university lectures. The incident may lead production teams to have more robust contingency plans for future performances.