“Soprano Ailyn Pérez was simply stellar as Magda. She’s a beautifully self-possessed singer, with a wonderfully expressive instrument — warm and earthy lows, jewel-clear highs, magnificent dynamic control and an artful sense of dramatic tailoring (and smartly deployed rubato). Her first-act aria completing the “Canzone di Doretta” of poet Pruniere (well handled by the steely young tenor Jonathan Johnson) was an early highlight of the evening. I also loved her interplay in Act II with the men of the Washington Concert Opera chorus, led by David Hanlon.”