Backstage tensions, not illness, sparked La La Land concert walkout: musicians
The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance has launched a workplace inquiry as musicians express anger over the marketing of the incident, which saw a student from the audience step in to complete the performance.
Two musicians from the Sydney orchestra of La La Land in Concert allege that tensions with composer Justin Hurwitz and producer George Ellis led to a keyboardist walking out before the intermission of the performance on 30 May. This account contradicts Hurwitz’s public claim that the musician fell ill, prompting him to ask the 2,000-strong audience for a replacement. The incident has triggered a workplace inquiry by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), with at least nine musicians assisting the union.
The allegations, detailed to The Guardian, suggest that Hurwitz singled out the percussion and keyboard sections for what the musicians described as unreasonable treatment. One source claimed Hurwitz remarked that Australia must have different musical notation than the rest of the world, while another cited poor communication, noting he was expecting everything to be perfect during a rehearsal phase. George Ellis was also reportedly critical of both keyboardists less than an hour before the concert, telling them to play a section again without wrong notes and questioning their readiness for the evening.
During the extended intermission, musicians described a scramble on mobile phones to find a replacement, noting that no one in the orchestra appeared willing or able to volunteer. A 21-year-old university student, Sterling Nasa, stepped forward from the crowd to take his place on stage. The event was subsequently marketed as a positive story after Nasa completed the performance, a narrative that has drawn sharp criticism from the orchestra members involved.
Musicians expressed anger that the incident was marketed as a global feelgood story, with one stating that there is a bunch of musicians who are just so pissed off. They argued that the focus on the audience member’s heroism obscured the underlying workplace issues. The MEAA confirmed it is aware of the allegations and is supporting its members throughout the investigation process, emphasising that all arts and entertainment venues and production companies are expected to adhere to minimum workplace safety and employment standards.
Hurwitz’s management, Creative Artists Agency, and Ellis did not respond to requests for comment regarding the musicians' claims. DRW Entertainment, the Australian tour promoter, described the situation as controlled chaos but did not respond to claims that the pianist had walked out. A spokesperson stated that out of respect for the artist’s privacy, it would not have been appropriate to share further details about their wellbeing with the audience on the night or now.