Ilaiyaraaja live

Indian music legend Ilaiyaraaja, one of the most acclaimed composers in the history of Indian cinema, is set to captivate audiences at Dubai Opera on October 18 with his latest symphony, Number 1 – ‘Vailiant’. The event promises a spellbinding evening filled with his most beloved chart-topping hits and an orchestral performance that bridges tradition and innovation.

Recognised globally for his exceptional contribution to music, Ilaiyaraaja has composed over 8,500 songs and scored music for 1,418 feature films across nine languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Over a career spanning five decades, his mastery of melody and orchestration has made him a pioneer of contemporary Indian music.

The concert will take audiences on a musical journey through Ilaiyaraaja’s signature blend of Western classical arrangements and Indian folk influences. Fans can look forward to an immersive experience featuring both modern and traditional instruments — from synthesisers, electric guitars, keyboards, and drums to veena, venu, nadaswaram, dholak, and tabla — all harmonised in the composer’s distinctive style.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, and music lovers can choose from a range of ticket categories:

Silver: AED 495

Gold: AED 595

Platinum: AED 795

VIP: AED 895

This special evening at Dubai Opera celebrates not only Ilaiyaraaja’s monumental legacy but also his ongoing evolution as an artist who continues to redefine the boundaries of Indian symphonic music.