PM Modi Celebrates Ilaiyaraaja as a 'Musical Titan' and 'Trailblazer'
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja as a musical titan and trailblazer. The meeting in New Delhi highlighted Ilaiyaraaja's recent historic performance of his first Western classical symphony, 'Valiant', in London.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi recognizes Ilaiyaraaja's contributions to music.
- Ilaiyaraaja presented his first Western classical symphony in London.
- Collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra marks a historical achievement.
- Ilaiyaraaja integrates Western classical music into Indian cinema.
- He has a remarkable career spanning nearly five decades.
Chennai, March 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, praised the iconic composer Ilaiyaraaja, referring to him as a musical titan and a trailblazer.
The Prime Minister commended the maestro's significant contributions to music and his talent for redefining excellence on an international level.
Ilaiyaraaja met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday.
After their meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared a post on the social media platform X, stating: "Thrilled to meet Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja Ji, a musical titan whose brilliance has left an indelible mark on our music and culture. He is a trailblazer in every sense and has once again made history by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, 'Valiant', in London a few days ago. This performance, alongside the esteemed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, signifies yet another chapter in his unmatched musical journey -- one that persistently redefines excellence globally."
The Prime Minister also shared multiple images from his meeting with Ilaiyaraaja, emphasizing the importance of the occasion.
In response to the Prime Minister's accolades, Ilaiyaraaja expressed his appreciation in a post on X, stating: "A memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi ji. We discussed various topics, including my symphony 'Valiant'. I am humbled by his recognition and support. @OneMercuri."
The Prime Minister's comments followed Ilaiyaraaja's recent presentation of his inaugural Western classical symphony, 'Valiant', in London.
This symphony was performed with the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Eventim Apollo Theatre on March 9.
This performance, featuring the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, marks yet another milestone in his extraordinary musical journey -- achieving a landmark event, making him the first Indian film composer to present a full-length Western classical symphony in London.
The maestro is well-known for blending Western classical elements into Indian film music.
His impact extends far beyond cinema, as he remains one of the most prolific and celebrated composers in Indian music history.
Over a career that spans nearly five decades, Ilaiyaraaja has composed over 7,000 songs, created music for more than 1,500 films, and performed in over 20,000 concerts globally.
Affectionately nicknamed Isaignani (The Musical Sage), Ilaiyaraaja was honored with the title Maestro by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.
His remarkable accolades include India's third highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, awarded to him in 2010, and the country's second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, conferred in 2018.
