Music enthusiasts have cause for celebration as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras inaugurates the Ilaiyaraaja Centre for Music Learning and Research on its Chennai campus. The foundation stone for this prestigious research center was laid by the legendary music maestro Ilaiyaraaja himself, alongside Tripura Governor Indirasena Reddy Nallu on May 20.
Ilaiyaraaja, addressing the gathering, expressed his hope that the center would serve as a platform for music enthusiasts to hone their skills and pursue their passion. Reflecting on his own journey, he emphasized the importance of access to resources in nurturing musical talent.
V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT-M, highlighted the significance of research in understanding music, underscoring the potential of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the field.
Sharing anecdotes from his early days in Chennai, Ilaiyaraaja reminisced about his pursuit of music despite facing initial obstacles. He urged aspiring musicians to seize opportunities and channel their passion into achieving greatness.
The maestro’s commitment to the center’s success is evident as he pledges to contribute his music notes to further its endeavors.
On the creative front, Ilaiyaraaja’s upcoming project includes collaborating with director Vetri Maaran on ‘Viduthalai Part 2’, while also completing a symphony in a remarkably short span of 35 days.
Amidst his musical endeavors, Ilaiyaraaja remains embroiled in a legal battle over copyright issues, recently issuing a legal notice to the producers of Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’.
As the Ilaiyaraaja Centre for Music Learning and Research takes its first steps, it heralds a new era for music education and exploration, promising to nurture the talents of future maestros.