Mohammad-Reza Shajarian

Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, born on September twenty-third, nineteen forty, was a distinguished Iranian singer and master of Persian traditional music. His journey in music began in nineteen fifty-nine at Radio Khorasan, where he quickly rose to prominence during the 1960s, captivating audiences with his unique singing style. Shajarian was not only a celebrated vocalist but also a talented calligrapher and a dedicated music educator.

Throughout his illustrious career, Shajarian faced numerous challenges, particularly after the 1979 revolution, when he became one of the few singers permitted to perform publicly. His musical education was deeply rooted in the teachings of esteemed mentors such as Ahmad Ebadi, Esmaeil Mehrtash, Abdollah Davami, and Nour-Ali Boroumand. He also drew inspiration from the vocal styles of legendary singers from previous generations, including Reza Gholi Mirza Zelli and Ghamar Molouk Vaziri.

Shajarian's collaborations with renowned musicians like Parviz Meshkatian and Hossein Alizadeh enriched his repertoire, which included traditional Dastgah styles and various forms of Iranian ethnic music, such as Mazandarani and Kurdish music. His artistry earned him significant accolades, including the prestigious Picasso Award from UNESCO in nineteen ninety-nine and the UNESCO Mozart Medal in two thousand six.

In two thousand seventeen, the Los Angeles Times recognized him as the 'Greatest living maestro of Persian classical music.' However, his outspoken support for the Iranian Green Movement and criticism of the government led to a ban on his concerts and music releases, marking a poignant chapter in his life and career.