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Ilaiyaraaja: 'People Have Brought God Down to The Level of Ilaiyaraaja'
The legendary composer had unveiled his first-ever western classical composition titled 'Valiant' at London’s Eventim Apollo Theatre on March 9 at midnight
Music maestro Ilaiyaraaja received a rousing welcome at the Chennai airport on Monday on his return from London where he presented his first western classical composition titled Valiant with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This was the world premier of Valiant, set to be performed across the world in the coming months.
The composer had unveiled the symphony at London’s Eventim Apollo Theatre on March 9 at midnight, becoming the first musician from Asian cinema to achieve this feat in London.
The veteran musician was welcomed by State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu with government honours and met by representatives from other political parties and hordes of fans who gathered to get a glimpse.
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On his return, Ilaiyaraaja spoke of the support he received from all his fans and well-wishers and mentioned that he felt blessed by God to be able to present his composition successfully.
“This was an event that brought a lot of pride to Tamil Nadu and India. I am moved by the reception that has been extended by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on my return and the warm welcome of the Tamil people,” he said.
Recalling the reception to the performance of Valiant, Ilaiyaraaja said, “This is not an ordinary event. I only had time to join the orchestra late in their rehearsal but the conductor had ensured that everything was in sync. The entire attention of the audience was on each and every note, and we were able to see that they were in awe throughout the symphony that has four movements. The applause from the audience, even in between the movements, was testament to the power of this symphony which has received appreciation from musical greats. This was an overwhelming and gratifying experience for me.”
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Ilaiyaraaja also performed orchestra versions of his popular music from Tamil films during the 90-minute concert.
The legendary composer requested people to not stream or download the performance but to witness it live, as the nuances of the composition would be lost for those not part of a live audience. “The symphony will be staged across 13 countries. There will be performances in Dubai, France, Germany and it will also be brought to India. I hope my people will be able to witness this live, with all 80 instruments being played simultaneously.”
On love from his fans, he said, “I’ve received so much love from people here who have likened me to a God of Music. Despite all this adulation, I work like any other person. When I’m called these superlatives, I feel like people have brought God down to the level of Ilaiyaraaja.”
Ilaiyaraaja had received kudos from various celebrities including actors Rajinikanth, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan in the run up to the unveiling of the symphony.
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The musician has no plans to stop any time soon. “I hope to take this piece of music all over the world. This is just the beginning. You may wonder what I will be able to do seeing as I am 82 years old. I left Pannaiapuram barefoot and I have made it where I am today through my effort. This should serve as an inspiration to the youth of today to excel in their chosen line of work and make the country proud.”