Susanna Phillips Shines as Agrippina

Angela Mao, Boston Classical Review:

Susanna Phillips was magnificent as Agrippina. Her empress is a believable combination of sophisticated aristocrat, sensual manipulator, and worrywart mother.

Her vocal portrayal is the sort that would leave a keen impression even without seeing her on stage. A standout was her rendition of “Pensieri, voi mi tormentate,” in which, in the dark hours of the night, Agrippina is suddenly terrified by her own actions—a musical antecedent to Lady Macbeth. In one memorable moment, Phillips thins her voice into a wandering thread, like the insidious thoughts that trouble her.”

David Bonetti, Berkshire Fine Arts:

“In the title role of Agrippina, soprano Susanna Phillips gave a performance of superstar caliber. In perfect voice through all her vocal registers with constant beauty of tone, she was dramatic in both her singing and acting, mining the endless comic possibilities of the ruthless, scheming, amoral Roman Empress, swinging her gold lamé purse and rearranging her matching cape like a Real Housewife of the Parioli district.”