Indian legend Ilaiyaraaja to perform at Dubai Opera in October

Dubai: Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja will perform at Dubai Opera on October 18, 2025 for a concert entitled 'Symphony Number 1 – ‘Valiant’.

Hailed as “Isaignani” (musical genius), Ilaiyaraaja has composed over 8,500 songs and scored music for 1,418 feature films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. His career spans over five decades, making him one of India’s most prolific and influential musicians.

He had performed to a full house at the Expo 2020 Jubilee Stage.

He's no stranger to Dubai. In 2020, during a press conference, the maestro described music as an instinctive and emotional force.

"There are no parameters or hard-fast rules to creating music. If music touches people’s hearts, then it is music … Music should come to you, then it’s pure music," he said.

When asked about younger composers, he dismissed comparisons, saying he doesn’t concern himself with what others are doing.

With ‘Valiant’, Ilaiyaraaja presents a new orchestral work, expanding his extensive body of music. Tickets for the concert are now on sale.