Ilaiyaraaja’s Valiant Symphony No.1 Premieres in London

On March 8, 2025, legendary Indian film composer Ilaiyaraaja made history with the world premiere of his first western symphony – “Valiant” Symphony No.1 at the prestigious Apollo (Eventim), Hammersmith, London.

From Pannayapuram in Tamil Nadu, Ilaiyaraaja, at 82 years old, became the first Indian in history to compose a full Western symphony. Composed in under a month, he recorded this groundbreaking work in the UK with the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mikel Toms.

On Saturday evening, Mikel Tom with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring a 77-piece ensemble and the London Voices, brought the maestro’s vision to life in front of thousands of devoted fans. Families and music lovers traveled from America, India, and across Europe to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event.

The event was hosted by British Asian radio icon Bobby Friction, with Ilaiyaraaja’s sons, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja, in attendance to support their father’s vision.

A Two-Part Masterpiece

The concert unfolded in two breathtaking sections:

Part 1: Valiant Symphony No.1 – performed in four distinct movements, each showcasing Ilaiyaraaja’s signature genius.

Part 2: 3in1 – a stunning composition built from just three notes, followed by an electrifying medley of South Indian film classics, featuring remarkable solo performances and orchestral magic.

As a surprise for the audience, Ilaiyaraaja himself took to the stage, delivering a rare vocal performance, backed by the full orchestra. The evening ended on a high note with a selection of his iconic background scores, leaving the crowd in awe.

This milestone event was made possible by India-based Mercuri, in partnership with Live Nation, one of the world’s largest concert producers.

In touching gesture of gratitude, each musician received a traditional South Indian scarf – a symbol of Ilaiyaraaja’s deep appreciation for their role in bringing his symphonic dream to life.

A night to remember, a legacy cemented in history. Ilaiyaraaja’s Valiant Symphony No.1 was more than a performance—it was the materialisation of the Maestro’s dreams, brought to life on a world stage.