Dolora Zajick calls herself a “hook and honk” mezzo – she hooks the sound on a deep breath, and honks it out there. Her splendid, powerful voice and acting have made her the reigning Amneris, Eboli, Azucena – pretty much any Verdi mezzo role. It's rare for there to be near-total agreement on singers in the opera world, but there is just that in the category of true dramatic mezzo-sopranos. Half-a-year shy of 60, she is still unchallenged, the real deal if you're talking Verdi.
And this Sunday she sings for free as part of the San Francisco Opera's performance at Stern Grove. That's right: $100 a ticket to see her in the opera house, free at Stern Grove. And then there's this: even if you arrive late – heck, even if you picnic in the parking lot – you'll still hear her loud and clear.