The big Ilaiyaraaja concert is finally here

On the occasion of his 76th birthday today, Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja will be hosting a special concert featuring KJ Yesudas, SP Balasubramaniam as well as Mano, Usha Uthup and Bombay Jayashri
Ilaiyaraaja SPB KJ Yesudas
Ilaiyaraaja SPB KJ Yesudas

On the occasion of his 76th birthday today, Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja will be hosting a special concert in association with Mercuri. The maestro will perform, along with his orchestra, a set of handpicked songs, and unlike in other concerts, he is expected to be explaining the origins of these compositions in the form of stories. The event, named Isai Celebrates Isai in honour of the legendary composer, will see him uniting with his frequent collaborators Padma Vibhushan KJ Yesudas, Padma Bhushan SP Balasubramaniam as well as Mano, Usha Uthup and Bombay Jayashri.

After their much-publicised fallout two years ago on account of royalty issues, a particular cause of excitement to fans, about this concert, is the return of SPB to the list of singers. It is to be noted that earlier this year, when the Tamil Film Producer's Council, headed by Vishal, organised a grand 75th birthday concert, SPB, KJ Yesudas and S Janaki were all a no-show.

The 76th birthday concert's collection will go to the Cine Musicians' Association, and SPB had released a video announcing the return of the famed partnership to celebrate the occasion. Meanwhile, KJ Yesudas had shared on his social media account that "My friend Ilaiyaraaja is organising this programme for our musicians family. I invite all music lovers to be a part of the evening."

This event, for which The New Indian Express is a print partner, has brought together SPB and Raja after two years. Earlier this week, pictures of them hugging each other and practising together were widely shared online. Yesterday, it was announced that SPB will be singing a song for Raja for Vijay Antony's upcoming cop film, Tamizharasan. Incidentally, KJ Yesudas has also recorded a song for the same film.

Ten years ago, when KJY and SPB sang together for Raja, they brought the roof down with their rendition of Kaatu Kuyilu from Thalapathy. At EVP Carnival Cinemas today, which hosts the four hour long live concert today, you can count on a potential repeat situation.

The composer is also well-known for his background music work for films like Naayagan, Mouna Raagam, Thalapathy, and Apoorva Sagotharargal, and part of the concert is expected to cover samples of such work. All in all, it's shaping to be a memorable event, and there's no place else you want to be this evening.

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