Legendary Iranian Vocalist Mohammad Reza Shajarian Dies at 80
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran lost legendary maestro, Mohammad-Reza Shajarian, the country’s most prominent and internationally-acclaimed vocalist in the area of traditional Persian music, to kidney cancer.
The 80-year-old’s passing was announced by Mehrdad Bohlouli of the board of directors at Tehran’s Jam Hospital, where he had been hospitalized, on Thursday.
His son, Homayoun Shajarian, also broke the news of his father’s passing through a black post on his Instagram page.
In March 2016, Shajarian appeared on video after four years, announcing that he was suffering from cancer throughout the previous 15 years.
He was last admitted to Jam Hospital’s ICU on Monday with unstable coronary and pulmonary conditions as well as hypotension and reduced lucidity.
The maestro has won renown as the country’s highest-achieving, best-performing, and most globally-recognized traditional music artist, with vocal virtuosity that has heartened and enlightened successive generations.
President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri, and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyed Abbas Salehi were among a host of high-ranking officials and dignitaries who have extended their condolences over his passing, Press TV reported.
Shajarian’s albums in 2004 and 2006 won him nomination for Grammy award in the Best World Music section.
Also in 2006, the United Nations’ cultural body, UNESCO conferred him with its Mozart Medal.
The UN body had also awarded him with its Picasso Medal in 1999 over his contribution to the enrichment and development of music.
Among others, he is survived by his son Homayoun, who has managed to live up to his legend best so far.
