Further thanking the Tamil Nadu government for the warm welcome, the music director shared that he is going to perform the symphony in 13 countries.
Published Mar 10, 2025 | 7:23 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 10, 2025 | 7:23 PM
Ilaiyaraaja performing the symphony. (OneMercuri/ X)
Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, is now back in Chennai, after performing his “first ever western classical symphony”—Valiant— at London’s Eventim Apollo Theatre. Ilaiyaraaja was joined by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra— a British symphony orchestra.
Speaking to the media upon his return, the legendary music composer noted that the milestone was indeed “just the beginning”.
Sharing his experience Ilaiyaraaja said, “The audience was admiring the symphony from the beginning and kept clapping and applauding. Your heartfelt wishes made the symphony premiere a grand event.”
“This symphony was played simultaneously by 80 instruments. You have to hear it live. In the second part of the symphony, I had them play our movie song, and I also sang it. It was difficult for me to sing with them. The people applauded and gave a good reception to that too.”
Further thanking the Tamil Nadu government for the warm welcome, the music director shared that he is going to perform the symphony in 13 countries.
Recalling his humble beginnings, Ilaiayaraaja said, “I am 82 years old, don’t think about what I am going to do now. I am just starting from now. From Pannaiyapuram till today, I have walked on my bare feet and stood on my own two feet.”
In an earlier video message released on X to announce the symphony, he had 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.”
Apart from this Ilaiyaraaja had 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.
Valiant – a symphony of courage recorded and performed in the heart of the United Kingdom @ilaiyaraaja @LiveNationUK pic.twitter.com/R0ys3MFVzd
— Mercuri (@OneMercuri) March 9, 2025
