One of several events that can onset breaking waves of news cycles and drama across the collective consciousness of Hollywood, this year's Met gala was not one to miss.

Commonly known for sparking conversation about the amazing pieces of fashion stars adorn themselves in to attend, this year's occassion was no different. Not only did Billie Eilish appear dressed in Simone Rocha, but it was Irish actor Barry Keoghan's debut appearance on the carpet.

The night was made complete by Ireland's own "Man with the Golden Flute" James Galway performing alongside the hip-hop rapper and classically trained flautist Lizzo, it was certainly a Met Gala to remember. Originally invited to perform on her own, the R&B artist then extended the opportunity further to one of her childhood inspirations.

James Galway is an orchestral flautist who has played with the likes of the Covent Garden Opera, the London Symphony Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra before striking out solo. Since, he's established himself as one of the most prolific flautists ever.

Knighted, 2014's recipient of the Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Award, and the president of Flutewise, a global organisation that supports young flute players, he has immeasurably impacted the musical world with his talent, his music, and his tutelage.

An Irish greeting to @lizzo from a fan, @sirjamesgalway pic.twitter.com/ZtrirQFZLN

— Sir James Galway (@sirjamesgalway) March 6, 2020

On Facebook Tuesday, the Galways (James and his wife) shared a statement on the performance.

"Now that the secret is out, we were honoured and overwhelmed to be asked to attend yesterday's Met Gala at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art."

"Furthermore, after three years of performing online only, Sir James was thrilled to accompany Lizzo onstage to perform as part of the special live performance during the evening. It truly was an evening we will treasure forever."

Lizzo shared her own message after the event, crediting the renowned Irish artist with changing the direction of Lizzo's entire life.

"Where do I begin...?" she started on Instagram. "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."

 

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

"I learned most of the songs by ear because the sheet music was too difficult to read at the time but eventually I fell in love with virtuosic flute music and memorized The Carnival of Venice (James Version) when I was 14. My father heard that and took my flute very seriously, he bought me lessons from university level teachers and my parents eventually got me Sasha Flute to keep up.

"When my dad passed away I played Amazing Grace into Carnival of Venice at his funeral… it was my promise to never give up. 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. Thank you for everything this week Sir James Galway!"

"You are truly the King of Flutes and I can’t wait to play with you again."

The performance comes after Lizzo shared news of a gender affirming shapewear line in March. It was an announcement that came amidst the tour for her new album Special, where she delivered a "rapturous" performance at 3Arena in Dublin. The renowned 35-year-old is expected at Glastonbury Festival later this year.

Listen to Lizzo here: