US singer Lizzo has written a gushing tribute to her musical idol – and fellow flautist – Sir James Galway after they duetted at the Met Gala.
The pair performed for sharply-dressed guests at the prestigious fashion event in New York on Monday night.
For Lizzo it was an opportunity to play with her hero; for Sir James it was late-night rehearsals, trips to the Vogue offices and keeping big secrets.
“It was amazing – she is a very good player,” said Belfast-born Sir James.
He told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme that he “really enjoyed” the gig and he praised Lizzo’s performance.
Nicknamed “the man with the golden flute”, 83-year-old Sir James is a world-renowned classical musician and has previously claimed to be Lizzo’s number-one fan.
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In an Instagram post on Wednesday night Lizzo shared a video of her playing with Sir James and said he had “changed the trajectory” of her life.
She wrote that when she was 11 years old and learning the flute, she needed a challenge and found Sir James’s album The Man With The Golden Flute.
She added: “Now, years later I had the honour 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.
“Thank you for everything this week. You are truly the King of Flutes and I can’t wait to play with you again.”
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