Mohammad-Reza Shajarian

23 September 1940 – 8 October 2020

Mohammad-Reza Shajarian was an Iranian singer and master of Persian classical vocal music, known for his command of the radif repertoire and for collaborations with musicians such as Mohammad Reza Lotfi, Parviz Meshkatian and Hossein Alizadeh. His recording of the Ramadan supplication Rabbana was broadcast on Iranian state radio for decades, and he was also a calligrapher and instrument maker.

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Life events

Birth in Mashhad
23 September 1940

Born in north-eastern Iran into a family in which he first learned Quranic recitation.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
First radio performances under a pseudonym
1959

Began singing on Radio Khorasan using the name Siavash Bidkani.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moves to Tehran and studies the classical radif
c. 1971

Worked with established masters of Persian classical music in the capital.

Relocation ?
Recording of the Rabbana supplication
1979

His recitation of the Ramadan prayer was broadcast annually on Iranian state radio and television for many years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
UNESCO Picasso Award
1999

Received the award for his contribution to Persian music.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
UNESCO Mozart Medal
2006

Honoured again by UNESCO for his work in music.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Asks state broadcasters to stop airing his recordings
2009

Following the disputed presidential election and subsequent protests, he requested that Iranian state radio and television cease broadcasting his music.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Other ✓
Public disclosure of illness
2016

Announced that he had been treated for kidney cancer.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Death in Tehran
8 October 2020

Died at the age of 80 after a long illness.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓