Lizzo recently took to Instagram to share a video of her performing alongside flute legend James Galway.
The hip-hop superstar also explained how Galway inspired and shaped her as a musician.
“Where do I begin…? When I was 11 years old and learning the flute I needed a challenge from my 5th grade level studies. So I found ‘The Man with the Golden Flute’ by James Galway and it changed the trajectory of my life,” Lizzo wrote in the caption for the footage showing her play a duet with James at the Met Gala on May 1.
“I learned most of the songs by ear because the sheet music was too difficult to read at the time,” she added. “Eventually I fell in love with virtuosic flute music and memorized ‘The Carnival of Venice’ (James’ version) when I was 14.”
She explained that her parents realized her seriousness in taking flute lessons and paid for her to get lessons from university-level teachers. She also added that it was because of the inspiration from the flautist that she was gifted “Sasha Flute” — the main flute she still plays at her shows today.
“When my dad passed away I played ‘Amazing Grace’ into ‘Carnival of Venice at his funeral’… it was my promise to never give up,” she continued. “Now, years later I had the honor to play beside Sir James Galway, and receive lessons from him and even play his alto flute. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without his influence.”
(Photo: AB+DM)
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