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Painful Zajik
Dolora Zajick, internationally recognized as one of the top contemporary mezzo-soprano opera singers, has begun serving as artist-in-residence and graduate voice instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno in the fall of 2023. Zajic specializes in the Vidya repertoire and has been described as “one of the greatest voices in the history of opera”.
Hailed as a “force of nature” by Variety magazine, Zajic has gained global recognition for her stunning renditions of the dramatic Verdi mezzo-soprano and has excelled in some of the composer’s most complex roles. With critically acclaimed performances as Azucena in “Il Trovatore”, Amneris in “Aida” and Eboli in “Don Carlo”, Zajic has performed on famous stages around the world had a lasting impact. During her illustrious career of more than 30 years, she worked with famous conductors such as James Levine, Anthony Pappano, Bruno Bartoletti, Daniel Gatti, etc. before retiring from the stage in 2020.
Originally from Oregon, Zajic grew up in Nevada and initially studied pre-med at the University of Nevada, Reno. However, her passion for music and singing became apparent when she joined the Nevada Opera Chorus.
“I discovered I had a voice and started singing,” Zajic said, recalling her journey.
She turned to music studies, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at university, then continuing her studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Dolora’s breakthrough came when she sang Azucena in San Francisco Opera’s production of Il Trovatore, after which she was accepted into San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program and performed at the 7th Chaico Festival in Moscow. Won a Bronze Medal in the International Competition. During her illustrious career, she received awards such as the Opera News Award and recognition from the Giulio Galli Foundation.
In addition to her storied stage career, Zajic is a vocal educator. In 2006, she founded the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices (Iydv.org), a training program tailored for singers with large or unique voices to prepare them to sing on the international stage. The academy offers an intensive three-week summer program that allows these singers to perfect their talents under the guidance of experienced coaches and vocal coaches who understand their unique needs. The current courses are hosted by the university and have won international level recognition.
Zajik returned to college. She currently teaches graduate voice courses and is involved in the program’s expansion.
“I came back to Reno to collaborate on creative solutions to build the voice department,” Zajic said. “It takes time to nurture and build.”
Why not retire quietly? Why choose Theater Vocal Academy and teach at the Conservatoire? Zajic said her love for music remains strong.
“Supporting the arts is very important during difficult times,” Zajic said. “It connects people and society in a cultural way. It’s important that I do my part to bring opera to people and allow the art to continue to grow. The number of singers interested in opera has increased, But it’s difficult for young singers to break into the industry. They go where they can get the training they need. That’s where the special voice instruction at the School of Dramatic Voice and the School of Music at the Faculty of Arts comes in.”
Aaron Long
Aren Long, who holds degrees in music education and piano performance from the university, has been appointed cooperating piano instructor in the School of Music starting in autumn 2023. Long began his musical career as a violinist in the Reno Philharmonic in high school and went on to become an accomplished performer. He has performed as a soloist at prestigious West Coast venues such as San Francisco’s Warfield Hall, in rural areas such as Quincy, California, and Elko, Nevada, and since 2018 at the Capitol Orchestra Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Served as organ soloist. Long has been active in the California Correctional Arts Program as a keyboardist and assistant director. In addition to roles in various ensembles and organizations, he has collaborated regularly with Reno Little Theater and Good Luck Macbeth Theater Company on productions of Evil Dead the Musical, SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical and Something Rotten “And other works. Each summer, Lang’s musical performances extend to the “Artown” series in Reno, where he still works as a freelance keyboardist.
In addition to his professional work, Aren is passionate about creative independent music. In 2022, he released his debut studio album, On Greenwich Way, a project involving 22 musicians who co-produced, composed, arranged, and engineered it in his home studio. His current musical group Aren & the Neighborhood creates collaborative art on themes of mental health, trauma and community, which has been described as “heartbreaking” and “brilliantly dramatic”.
Long summed up his appointment: “As someone who grew up in Nevada, I have always considered Reno my home and consider the University of Nevada, Reno an important part of my identity. I am an alumnus of the School of Music, Always grateful for the connections and career opportunities I experienced as a student – I met my best friends and my wife at school! It is a huge privilege to now be part of the faculty and support current music students , I’m excited to make music with talented people every day.”
Kevin Misk
Kevin Miescke was appointed Lecturer of Music in the fall of 2023 and will serve primarily as a music theory instructor and undergraduate tutor in the School of Music. Miske, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the university, reflects on his return.
“I grew up in the Tahoe area and received my bachelor’s degree in music education from the university (2004), so returning to campus as a member of the Conservatory’s outstanding faculty is a dream come true,” Miske said. “It’s exciting to see how the university has grown and continues to grow and develop. It feels so good to be home!”
Prior to joining the university faculty, Miske served as a lecturer in French horn and music history in the Music Department at Eastern Illinois University. In addition to his university teaching responsibilities, his professional focus is as an active French horn player, performing orchestral, solo, and chamber music throughout the country. Miske’s local focus is as a founding member of the Reno Modern Brass Ensemble, which promotes contemporary music by local and national composers with a focus on themes from Nevada history and culture. He is a regular guest with the Reno Philharmonic and has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Millikin-Decatur Symphony, and others.
Lin Dongkang
Michael TK Lam serves as a guest lecturer in vocal music at the Conservatory of Music. Originally from Hong Kong, Mr. Lam completed his PhD in Musical Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, under the mentorship of Alfonse Anderson. He has had the privilege of performing under the batons of Paul Wingfield, Marzio Conti, Charles Peebles, Christian Schulz and Jonathan Rowe; under the direction of Michael Barry and Thomas Guthrie ; masterclasses by Darrell Babidge, Laura Aikin, Roderick Williams OBE, Helene Schneiderman, Luis Ledesma; and coaching sessions by Daniel Sarge, Danielle Orlando and Stephen Barlow. In 2022, Michael became a young artist at the Del Arte Opera House in New York and performed Monteverdi’s “Ulisse” and Lucero’s “Juana” in his home country.
“I decided to join the Faculty of Arts and Music family because I was so impressed by the professionalism displayed by my colleagues,” said Lin. “From day one, I felt confident that I would be in a positive and supportive environment. environment. I absolutely love inspiring future generations and I look forward to sharing my passion for music in college!”
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