Vocalists Jamshidian and D'Onofrio Perform Tonight

On Saturday, January 20th, the First Congregational Church in Darien will be the site of a very special reunion for two classically trained singers: soprano Tara Jamshidian and mezzo-soprano Amanda D’Onofrio.

The pair grew up in Stamford and often performed together in concerts and on stage before heading off separately to further develop their musical gifts at college.

D’Onofrio received a B.A in Music from the College of Holy Cross and an M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport before returning home to take a 1st grade teaching position at Westover Magnet Elementary School. Among the honors that she has received as an artist was to be invited to perform in the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center in 2007.

Jamshidian attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where she performed in many musical theater and opera scenes at both the conservatory and Harvard University. She has continued her vocal training in New York City, with Dr. Julian Kwok and plans to audition for Opera Young Artist Programs in the fall.

The two have joined forces to help Jamshidian prepare for the next stage in her career by sharpening her audition material. The program that they’ve assembled will feature arias by Bizet, Offenbach and Puccini, along with art songs by Braham and Shubert among other composers.

PATCH: Tara, you went to Westhill High, while Amanda was at Stamford High. And you were a senior when she was still a sophomore. How did you two become friends?

JAMSHIDIAN: Amanda and I grew up together at Curtain Call performing in Stamford Youth Theater shows since we were kids.

PATCH: Where does your love of music – classical music in particular – come from?

JAMSHIDIAN: I've loved to sing since before I could remember. My voice was always loud and high as a kid and my voice teacher always told me I was meant to sing opera. That took a few years to get used to, but eventually I fell in love with the art form.

PATCH: What inspired the two of you to put together a recital?

JAMSHIDIAN: Amanda and I studied classical voice with the same teacher. Every June, we would sing in the same recital and perform duets together. We thought it would be fun to do that again!

PATCH: How did you select the music that you’ll be performing?

JAMSHIDIAN: I thought it would be helpful to try out my audition package (5 arias) in front of loved ones in a supportive environment. Working towards this recital has already helped immensely. I'll definitely be more confident and prepared when the auditions come along in the fall.

PATCH: Is the recital also a celebration of sorts of all that the two of you have accomplished so far?

JAMSHIDIAN: Definitely. It's bringing back a lot of wonderful memories singing with Amanda again. That's reason enough to celebrate!

The concert will begin at 8 pm at the First Congregational Church at 14 Brookside Road in Darien. It is free and open to the public.