He will be joined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra— a British symphony orchestra. Ilaiyaraaja further announced that he will also possibly give a surprise performance, alongside presenting.
Published Feb 20, 2025 | 8:45 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 20, 2025 | 8:45 PM
Ilaiyaraaja. (X)
Musical maestro Ilaiyaraaja has announced that he will present his “first ever western classical symphony” at London’s Eventim Apollo Theatre on 8 March.
He will be joined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra— a British symphony orchestra. Ilaiyaraaja further announced that he will also possibly give a surprise performance, alongside presenting.
In a video message released on X, he said, “A historical moment is going to happen. At the Eventim Apollo theatre, London on March 8th. As the first Indian, I am happy, very, very happy to present my first-ever western classical symphony. I will be there to present this and also perform a special surprise performance with a full-piece orchestra featuring the phenomenal Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London. Don’t miss it. Be there to witness history happening.”
He also shared the ticket link along with the video message.
Ticket link: https://t.co/bmnTsdDYsO
@OneMercuri @LiveNationUK pic.twitter.com/H84URfWisk— Ilaiyaraaja (@ilaiyaraaja) February 20, 2025
The announcement comes days after he released a sneak peek into his first classical symphony— Valiant.
Sharing the same, he wrote: “Music is an emotion and Valiant is my tribute to you all. witness the journey behind Symphony No. 1.”
music is an emotion and Valiant is my tribute to you all. witness the journey behind Symphony No. 1https://t.co/oC8gT8BDZA @OneMercuri @IMMOffl https://t.co/KNJtaZ2jR3
— Ilaiyaraaja (@ilaiyaraaja) January 25, 2025
Earlier this month, Ilaiyaraaja also announced that he will soon be forming an all-girls orchestra in honour of his late daughter, National Award-winning singer Bhavatharini. He noted that an all-girls orchestra was her last wish.
Ilaiyaraaja speaking of the initiative said, “Bhavatharini’s last wish was to start a girls’ orchestra. Two days ago, when I was in Malaysia, several girl groups sang before me. When I saw it, I remembered what my daughter Bhavatharini had told me.”
“Girl students – both school and college students – who are not over 15 years alone will be a part of this orchestra. I am to select them. I have selected two orchestras in Malaysia itself. Girls from anywhere in the world can be a part of this orchestra. I intend to make this orchestra provide a musical feast to the masses forever. Auditions will be held and candidates will be selected. I intend to create such an orchestra and I will announce it at an appropriate time. I am making the announcement here today about my decision to set up such an orchestra,” Ilaiyaraaja added.
