MK Stalin meets Ilaiyaraaja ahead of his maiden western symphony in London

Earlier, we reported that Ilaiyaraaja is set to present his "first ever western classical symphony" at London's Eventim Apollo theatre on March 08. Ahead of Ilaiyaraaja's visit to present the symphony, titled Valiant, in London, CM MK Stalin met the legendary composer. Stalin shared on X a video featuring him and Ilaiyaraaja and said that "no one has ever achieved" the feat that the composer will accomplish in Asia. The CM also stated that Ilaiyaraaja showed the symphony notes to him.

"I want this to be a crown jewel among the countless achievements of Ilayaraja, a musical soul who has been deeply intertwined with the lives of Tamils ​​around the world," wrote Stalin.

In response, Ilaiyaraaja thanked Stalin for "taking his time off busy schedule" to meet him personally and "showing his passion for music."

Joining the composer in the historic event will be London's famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in what the former described as a "special surprise performance."

Recently, Ilaiyaraaja released the teaser for 'Valiant,' recorded alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. In the video, you can see the composer introducing himself to the Scottish orchestra and telling its members that he "used to record a song or a film score" daily.

Speaking of which, Ilaiyaraaja is expected to present an orchestra iteration of some of the most popular compositions from his film career at the London theatre in March.