[custom_adv] Mohammad-Reza Shajarian (born 23 September 1940) is a classical singer, composer and Ostad (master) of Persian traditional music. [custom_adv] He has been called greatest living maestro of Persian classical music." Shajarian is also known for his skills in Persian calligraphy, and humanitarian activities. [custom_adv] Shajarian was born in Mashhad, and started singing at the age of five, under the supervision of his father. At the age of twelve, he began studying the traditional classical repertoire known as the Radif. [custom_adv] Shajarian started his singing career in 1959 at Radio Khorasan, rising to prominence in the 1960s with his distinct style of singing.