Our most-fun pianist is getting married

Our most-fun pianist is getting married

main

norman lebrecht

October 08, 2013

The first time, we played the Beatles in a Steinway showroom.

The second time we met, we demolished a bottle of red at the National Portrait Gallery. She assured me she wasn’t playing that night.

Every get-together with Gabriela Montero is full of fun and laughter. Then she introduced me to the love of her life – an Irish opera singer with a dash of Hollywood on his c.v. Lovely guy, Sam McElroy.

Guess what? They got engaged yesterday and they’re posting the banns on Slipped Disc.

gabriela montero sam mcelroy

Gabi’s version: A few days ago, the most wonderful man I know, asked me to marry him. I can’t imagine my life without him. The ups and downs, without him, would be unbearable. I am a lucky girl and although I haven’t been in the best of moods lately given everything that has been happening, this event has brought much needed sunshine to my heart..

 

Sam’s story:

Three years ago I went, with 10,000 others, to hear Gabriela play a concert at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel. We didn’t know each other then.The next day, I ran into her in more banal circumstances – at a Starbucks on Melrose Avenue! We got talking, and after three more years of talking, and laughing, and traveling the world, and making music, and listening to her make music, and watching addictive HBO shows together on planes, and figuring out how to support her in raising two girls while she navigates a mad concert schedule, I have asked her to marry me.

She said yes!

gabriela montero sam mcelroy2

 

 

Comments

  • Mazel tov to the happy pair!

  • Siva Oke says:

    Aaaah…. A thousand throbbing violins wouldn’t be out of place, although I’m a pianist myself. Warmest congratulations to you both!

  • Keith McCarthy says:

    I think both Gabi and Sam are getting the best part of this deal! Congratulations to this talented couple.

  • Jim Miller says:

    Congratulations to two amazing musicians!

  • Careena Bernstein says:

    Mazel tov to you both.I heard Gabriella in Cape Town some years ago and loved her .Come to Cape Town again soon

  • Marguerite Foxon says:

    I love her playing. I wish them both well.

  • Dear Gabriela, I am so happy for you !!! You spoke of him with such love in Ottawa.

    All the best xxx

  • dansk66 says:

    Very Best Wishes to you both from Ottawa where, Gabiela, you played Studio Sparks so long ago.

  • Dear Gabriela, all the happiness to you! You deserve it!

    I am sending these wishes also on behalf of all your friends from the Chopin Foundation in Miami.

  • MOST READ TODAY: