Al destin che la minaccia

THE SONGBIRD: Mónika González was born in Italy and studied voice and conducting in Budapest. She won the Toti dal Monte singing competition, which led to an invitation from Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonygne to study at their home in Switzerland. She made her debut as Susanna (Peter Maag conducting) and has since sung primarily in Italy and Hungary, which is her home base. Roles include Donna Anna, Pamina, Vitellia, Norina, Violetta, Poppea, Semele, and Wagner's Eva.

THE MUSIC: Mozart wrote "Mitridate, re di Ponto" K.87 in 1770 when he was 14 years old; it premiered in Milan late that same year. He was touring Italy and met Czech composer Josef Mysliveček in Bologna, who influenced the work, which was Mozart's first opera seria composition. The opera's cast calls for four sopranos, one alto, and two tenors -- three of those roles (Sifare, Arbate, and Farnace) were originally written for castrati. The plot is nearly impossible to summarize briefly with its interwoven political and amorous rivalries and complications. The leading soprano role is Aspasia, who is pledged to marry Mitridate (the King and the lead tenor) while being romantically pursued by Farnace (a general and an alto) -- meanwhile she is in love with Farnace's brother Sifare (another soprano). Aspasia's aria "Al destin che la minaccia" is No. 1, the very first aria in the opera and a rollercoaster ride of vigorous coloratura runs, scales, and turns.