Shajarian's 15-Year Illness Cited as Reason for Canceling Nowruz Concert in Armenia

Mohammad Reza Shajarian, the master of Iranian music, revealed in his Nowruz message that he has been suffering from a specific illness for the past 15 years, which has prevented him from holding his Nowruz concert in Armenia. In a video message, Shajarian appeared with a different look than usual but did not directly mention his illness. He referred to a '15-year guest' he has been familiar with for years, stating that it was 'at its command' that he cut his hair and that he would remain in treatment for some time to 'reach an understanding with this guest.' Shajarian promised to continue his artistic work after 'reaching an understanding' with this issue. He was scheduled to perform in Armenia on April 1, but according to news sources, 'medical issues' and 'doctors' force majeure decisions for immediate treatment' were cited as the reasons for canceling the concert. In a statement on his personal website, Shajarian wrote that 'my treating physician observed an issue in my recent MRI and firmly requested that I cancel my trip to undergo treatment under his supervision for six to eight weeks.' He added that he reluctantly accepted the doctors' decision, and thus, despite the arrangements made for the concert on April 1 in Yerevan, he had to cancel it. Shajarian apologized to his fans for this matter and noted that 'further information and decisions regarding this matter' would be communicated through his official website. No official statements have been made by sources close to the master of Iranian music regarding his illness, but some news sources, considering Shajarian's appearance changes in the recent video message, report that he is battling 'cancer.' In this regard, the website Entekhab reported that according to news from treating physicians, 'Shajarian is suffering from advanced kidney cancer.' Entekhab added that 'unfortunately, metastatic kidney cancer has invaded Shajarian's brain, and he is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.' Previously, Shajarian had canceled his concert in Istanbul in September 2015, and at that time, the Delavaz website wrote that 'unfortunately, it is not possible to hold Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Shahnameh's concert in Istanbul due to force majeure reasons on the specified date.' After that, some news sources reported that Shajarian, who had previously undergone lung surgery in 2007, was hospitalized at Kowsar Hospital due to 'pulmonary problems' on the orders of his treating physician. Shajarian's works have not been broadcast on Iranian state radio and television in recent years, and he has not been allowed to hold concerts in Iran for years. For a long time, he has only allowed 'Nava-ye Robbena' among his works to be broadcast, although state television has not been willing to air even this religious piece. In this context, Shajarian stated: 'I am not allowed to sing for my own people and in my own country.' The spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture stated: 'Restrictions have been imposed on Shajarian's concerts.' The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Culture said: 'Shajarian has distanced himself from the regime.' Shajarian, on the verge of turning 70, stated: 'I am the voice of my people.' He also said: 'I have cried many times in front of the television because of the treatment of the people.'