Dolora Zajic is a renowned American mezzo-soprano who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on March 16, 1952, in Salem, Oregon, Dolora grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Milos Zajic, was a Czech-born bass-baritone who performed with the Metropolitan Opera, while her mother, Alice Zajic, was a pianist and vocal coach. Dolora's parents recognized her musical talent at an early age and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Dolora began her formal music education at the University of Oregon, where she studied voice with Margaret Thuenemann. She later transferred to the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. During her time at USC, Dolora studied with renowned vocal coach Gwendolyn Koldofsky and performed in several productions, including Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and Verdi's "La Traviata." After completing her undergraduate studies, Dolora continued her vocal training at the Juilliard School in New York City. There, she studied with mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel and worked with renowned conductors such as James Levine and Leonard Bernstein. Dolora's talent and hard work paid off when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1979, which launched her career as a professional opera singer. Dolora made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in 1982, playing the role of Amneris in Verdi's "Aida." She quickly established herself as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, known for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and emotional depth. Over the course of her career, Dolora has performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. One of Dolora's most memorable performances was her portrayal of the title character in Richard Strauss's "Elektra" at the Metropolitan Opera in 1994. Her performance was widely praised for its intensity and emotional power, and it earned her a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. Dolora has also received critical acclaim for her performances in other operas, including Verdi's "Don Carlo," Bizet's "Carmen," and Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde." In addition to her work in opera, Dolora has also performed in concerts and recitals around the world. She has collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Dolora has also recorded several albums, including a collection of songs by Gustav Mahler and a recording of Handel's "Messiah." Throughout her career, Dolora has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 1997, she was awarded the Richard Tucker Award, which is given annually to an American opera singer who has achieved significant success in the field. She has also been honored with the Opera News Award, the Marian Anderson Award, and the National Medal of Arts, which she received from President Barack Obama in 2010. Despite her many accomplishments, Dolora remains committed to her craft and continues to perform and record music. She is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, and she has worked with many young singers to help them develop their talents and achieve success in the world of classical music.

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