Monica Danilov

As Paula, Monica Danilov was an imposing presence that explored her character’s insecurities, jealousy, and vigor. Her interactions with Alexios Trejos’ Alvaro showcased some humor but at the same time, there was tenderness. Vocally, Danilov brought a solid mezzo in her opening duet, the quartet and the quintet always showcasing her technical prowess. And in the second act when Paula finally gets a solo, Danilov brought all the emotional range of her character that finally allowed audiences to see Paula’s internal feelings. Danilov began the aria lying down on the floor, uttering the first words with delicacy and fragility. But as she repeated the name “Alvaro,” she stood up to let her voice bloom. Here one could see the character’s suffering for the loss of her husband and as the aria developed, her timbre obtained a rounder and fuller quality, that gave an emotional pull and resonated throughout the Teatro Colón.

Francisco Salazar