Iranian singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian dies aged 80

Renowned singer surprised fans in 2009 by backing protest movement after contested vote

Mohammad Reza Shajarian, whose distinctive voice quavered to traditional Persian music on state radio for years and supported protesters after Iran's contested 2009 election, has died aged 80 from cancer, state TV has reported.

Shajarian enlivened Iran's traditional music with his singing style, which soared, swooped and trilled over long-known poetry set to song.