Student Saves 'La La Land' Concert by Improvising

A Sydney university student stepped in unexpectedly to perform during a live orchestra concert of La La Land in Concert on Saturday night. As the production's keyboard player became ill during the interval, conductor Justin Hurwitz appealed to the audience for someone who could sight-read. Sterling Nasa, a 21-year-old student, volunteered and was brought on stage to play the celesta and other keyboard instruments for the second half.

Despite initial nerves and never having played the celesta before, Mr. Nasa followed the demanding score in real time. He particularly improvised a challenging synth solo during the song 'Start a Fire', impressing conductor Hurwitz. This remarkable performance, driven by a friend's encouragement to volunteer, led to Mr. Nasa gaining significant overnight fame.