During a performance of La La Land in Concert in Sydney, Australia, the show’s pianist suddenly became ill and could no longer continue.
Oscar winning composer Justin Hurwitz asked the audience a question you almost never hear at a professional performance: “Is there anyone here who can sight read piano music?”
A 21 year old university student named Sterling Nasa was volunteered by a friend, rushed backstage for a brief two minute explanation, and then walked on stage in front of hundreds of people to save the show.
Sterling, who studies politics and international relations and also teaches bagpipes, sat down and flawlessly performed alongside the orchestra for the remainder of the concert.
Hurwitz admitted he was nervous until the first notes were played, but the entire crowd was rooting for him, and by the end of the night he had become an unlikely star.