In Memoriam: Mohammad Reza Shajarian

Today we mourn the loss of Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Iran’s legendary vocalist who passed away at 80 years old after battling kidney cancer for years. We had the great pleasure of hosting Shajarian’s son, internationally celebrated vocalist Hamayoun Shajarian, during our 2019 concert celebrating Nowruz, Iranian’s New Year. Mohammad Reza Shajarian was known across the globe as a pioneer of Persian classical and folk music, his cultural impact supported by his numerous cultural awards and record sales. In the United States, two recordings from his musical group Masters of Persian Music were nominated for Grammys, in 2002 and 2005. He will be greatly missed, and his musical legacy will be forever remembered. 

Below is Mohammad Reza Shajarian’s NPR Tiny Desk concert from 2013, showcasing his powerful, emotional voice.