Few artists in modern times have been able to connect Iranians of different generations as dexterously as Mohammad Reza Shajarian has done. The sublime heritage maestro Shajarian has left throughout six decades of practicing arts at the highest levels makes him an icon more special than a normal artist with limited skills and a limited discography. In 2019 at the Aga Khan Music Awards, Shajarian was honoured with a special Patron’s Award for his "enduring contribution to the musical heritage of humanity, his peerless musical mastery" and his lasting impact as a music teacher and practitioner.