SYDNEY — Composer and conductor Justin Hurwitz appealed to the audience for a sight-reader during the intermission of a La La Land in Concert performance at Darling Harbour Theatre in Sydney on May 30. Hurwitz stated that one of his two keyboardists became ill.

During the intermission, Sterling Nasa, a 21-year-old university student, performed as the replacement keyboardist. Hurwitz later explained that he asked the audience for help because contacting friends would take too much time, and he assumed someone in the audience of 2,500 people would be a sight-reader. Members of the orchestra used mobile phones during the intermission to search for a replacement keyboardist.

Two musicians from the orchestra alleged that the keyboardist left due to tension between Hurwitz and the ensemble during rehearsals. One musician claimed Hurwitz showed poor communication with the orchestra and expected immediate perfection during rehearsal. Another musician alleged that orchestra contractor George Ellis criticized both keyboardists less than an hour before the concert. Ellis reportedly told the keyboardists to play a section again without mistakes and questioned their readiness for the performance.

At least nine musicians from the Sydney concerts are assisting the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance with a workplace inquiry into the events. A spokesperson for the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance stated that the organization is aware of the allegations and is supporting its members throughout the investigation process. The spokesperson added that arts and entertainment venues and production companies are expected to adhere to minimum workplace safety and employment standards.

A spokesperson for DRW Entertainment stated there was controlled chaos when a key team member was unable to perform after the interval. The spokesperson also stated it would not have been appropriate to share further details about the artist’s wellbeing with the audience. Hurwitz returned to Los Angeles after the Sydney performance.