Summary
Celebrated as a "force of nature" by Variety, Dolora Zajick has garnered international acclaim for embodying a rare vocal type – the dramatic Verdi mezzo-soprano – known for conquering the composer's most intricate mezzo-soprano roles. Possessing an expressive vocal range, flawless technique, and the capacity to convey the deepest character nuances, Dolora has left an indelible mark with her interpretations of iconic roles like Azucena in Il Trovatore, Amneris in Aida, and Eboli in Don Carlo on the grandest stages worldwide. Her performances have been guided by esteemed conductors of our time, including James Levine, Anthony Pappano, Bruno Bartoletti, James Conlon, Daniele Gatti, Valery Gergiev, Lorin Maazel, Charles Mackerras, Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Mstislav Rostropovich.
Artistry and achievements
Dolora Zajick has recently announced her retirement from the opera scene, culminating her extraordinary journey. Her final performances in 2020 graced the Metropolitan Opera in New York, a venue intimately connected to her triumphs, marking her debut as Azucena in Il Trovatore in 1988. Throughout her career, Dolora conquered new horizons, embracing roles such as Gertrude in Hansel and Gretel, Mary in Wagner's Der Fliegende Holländer at the Metropolitan Opera, Mrs. Grose in Britten's The Turn of the Screw with the Dallas Opera, and Madame de Croissy in Poulenc's Les Dialogues des Carmelites with the Washington National Opera. Notably, she even showcased her compositional talents, premiering Roads to Zion, a piece honoring St. Teresa of Avila's legacy, and a work commissioned for the National Youth Choral Festival in San Francisco.
Impact and recordings
Dolora’s legacy extends beyond live performances into a rich discography. Her voice has been immortalized on recordings like Aida, Il Trovatore, and Don Carlo on Sony Classical, guided by James Levine. EMI featured her in La forza del destino and the Verdi Requiem under Riccardo Muti’s direction, while Sony Classical released Alexander Nevsky with Mstislav Rostropovich and Hérodiade with Valery Gergiev. Another notable entry is Rusalka with Sir Charles Mackerras on Decca. Her solo disc titled Dolora Zajick: The Art of the Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano, lauded on Telarc, showcases not just her signature dramatic mezzo-soprano arias but also Rossini’s coloratura mezzo-soprano arias and various dramatic soprano pieces.
Educational initiatives
Beyond her stage prowess, Dolora is a fervent vocal educator. In 2006, she founded the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, a training program tailored for singers with large or unique voices, preparing them to sing on the international stage. The institute offers an intensive 3-week summer program, enabling these singers to refine their talents under the guidance of seasoned coaches and voice instructors who understand their distinctive needs.
Early years and honors
Hailing from Oregon and raised in Nevada, Dolora Zajick's musical journey took shape under the tutelage of Ted Puffer, a conductor and former Artistic Director of the Nevada Opera, who was also affiliated with the Manhattan School of Music. Her journey commenced in the chorus of the Nevada Opera while pursuing pre-med studies at the University of Nevada. After earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in music from the University, she pursued further studies in New York at the Manhattan School of Music. Dolora's breakthrough came with her major operatic debut as Azucena in Il Trovatore at the San Francisco Opera, following her acceptance into the San Francisco Opera's Merola Program and winning the Bronze Medal at the 7th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Throughout her career, she received esteemed awards, including the Opera News Award and recognition from the Giulio Gari Foundation.
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Music is a proud partner with Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices.