"In his preconcert lecture, Conlon referred to "Simon Boccanegra" as "darkly tinted," because the majority of its vocal firepower resides with the men of the cast who are predominantly baritones and basses. The two exceptions are the ardent lovers, soprano Ana Maria Martinez as the lost daughter, (a former L.A. Opera Mimi and Violetta) and Stefano Secco (who is making his LA Opera debut). Their bright impassioned voices stand out in bold contrast to the opera's "darkly tinted" background.

Martinez has an ideal voice for Verdi, with fluidity throughout its range combined with excellent control that can float a pianissimo or rise to a dramatic crescendo."