Ilaiyaraaja celebrates 82nd birthday, announces Chennai symphony performance on August 2

CHENNAI: Music Maestro Ilaiyaraaja celebrated his 82nd birthday at his Kodambakkam studio on Monday, and also announced that he would be performing the same symphony that he had presented in London in March, accompanied by the same orchestra, for his people in Chennai on August 2.

Titled Valiant, it marked his first-ever western classical symphony, and after the premiere, he insisted that the audience experience the music in person and not download it.

Talking to the media on Monday, Ilaiyaraaja said, “I’ll be performing the Valiant symphony for my people here. The core purpose of the symphony will be fulfilled only when people here listen to it. I want to enhance the musical senses of my people and introduce you all to unique kinds of music.”

The world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra musicians will be flying down to the city for the symphony.

He also shared a message from Chief Minister MK Stalin and added, “CM Stalin wrote that he was one among the crores longing to listen to my symphony on August 2. He also stated that I’m here to rule the music world.”

In an interview, it was pointed out that the former CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi and he share a birthday. Ilaiyaraaja mentioned, “I haven’t even done a little of the great service that he has done for the Tamil language. In my opinion, TN should only wish Kalaingnar on June 3. So, I decided to celebrate my birthday on June 2.”

The musician cut a cake at the studio and thanked his fans who came to the studio to celebrate with him.