Sun Mar 02 10:30:45 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Honors Ilaiyaraja Ahead of Historic London Symphony Debut**
CHENNAI, March 2, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid a visit to renowned music composer Ilaiyaraja at his Chennai residence on Sunday, March 2, 2025, to offer his best wishes ahead of the maestro’s historic debut symphony performance in London. The performance, scheduled for March 8th, marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind by an Asian composer.
During the meeting, Mr. Stalin presented Ilaiyaraja with a shawl on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, and a memento. The Chief Minister later shared details of his visit on social media, highlighting the significance of this achievement for Tamil Nadu and India. He also recounted a shared anecdote about how Mr. Karunanidhi bestowed the title “Isaignani” (Musical Genius) upon Ilaiyaraja, and how the composer changed his birthday to June 2nd to avoid sharing it with the late DMK leader. The two also reminisced about the late S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, whose songs, many composed by Ilaiyaraja, Mr. Stalin regularly listens to.
Mr. Stalin’s visit underscored the state’s pride in Ilaiyaraja’s groundbreaking achievement. The London symphony is poised to be a landmark moment in Asian musical history.
First Piper 