Ilaiyaraaja is one of India’s greatest music composers. He is the first Indian to present a western classical symphony. He said that he considers himself an ordinary human being and that every time he hears a fan calling him the God of music, he thinks, ‘You have reduced God to Ilaiyaraja’s level’ He spoke about the concert and the response to it. He was all praise for the conductor, Mikel Toms, who, he said, ensured accuracy. He also spoke about how audiences and fans applauded after each movement. The musicians and the conductor were surprised. The conductor looked at me and smiled. I smiled and replied ‘This is how it will be’ “This is a symphony that has been appreciated by all musical experts. It is because of all your heartfelt wishes and happiness that has turned this event into a major one, bringing pride to both Tamil Nadu and India,” he said. “I don’t have any thoughts of myself. Thank you all for your warm welcome. Happy to see all your smiling faces.”