The reviews are coming in for SUSANNAH BILLER in OTSL’s “Richard the Lionheart”!
“As the points in this unlikely love triangle, American sopranos SUSANNAH BILLER and Devon Guthrie, and British countertenor Tim Mead, sent thrills through the theater as they tossed off the lavishly florid and taxing vocal showpieces that adorn the score. . . The luminous beauty with which BILLER floated her silken ribbons of cantilena well suited Costanza’s languishing laments. . . ” -Chicago Tribune – John von Rhein
“Mead’s Richard had the perfect match in his Costanza, soprano SUSANNAH BILLER. She’s a fine singing actor, lovely to look at, and with a gorgeous high soprano voice that handles coloratura effortlessly. She carried the audience with her throughout a wide range of emotions.” -St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Opera Theatre of St. Louis has opened Handel’s “Richard the Lionheart,” and it is truly astonishing! It is, in all aspects, the most perfect production of an opera that I’ve ever seen. And voices? Ah, the voices are quite stunning! This is not to be missed. This is a masterpiece. . . SUSANNAH BILLER, as Costanza, is even more beautiful than she was last year in OTSL’s “Elixir of Love.” Her lovely voice seems quite at home in this very demanding role. To sing Handel is to have a voice that dances with laser precision along all those runs and trills. Miss Biller loftily exceeds expectations.” -KDHX.com
“Mead is paired throughout the opera with SUSANNAH BILLER, who plays Costanza, a Spanish princess, in this case a castaway who is separated from her king and bridegroom. The second act in particular finds Mead and Biller singing together, confessing their undying love and charming this operagoer out of his seat.” -St. Louis Magazine
“With an incandescent, exquisitely supple soprano, SUSANNAH BILLER’s Costanza radiates youthful decency as well as glamour.” – Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News
“As Costanza, SUSANNAH BILLER was every bit his equal. Having only ever experienced her accomplished Adina in last summer’s Elixir of Love I had no idea that she was capable of such depth and daring. As one of the “dueling divas of the day” in this opus, the role of Costanza has much of the pained, limpid, melancholy singing at which Ms. Biller certainly excels. But there is much more in reserve in her arsenal.
When real spunk and fire are required, she can deliver the goods with astonishing results, refulgent tone, and apparent ease. The duet I already mentioned was a highpoint, the emotional and musical core of the production. But Susannah also made the most of her opportunities to shock and awe with confrontational outbursts when her soprano found even more delicious fullness.” -Opera Today
“SUSANNAH BILLER brought a pealing, clear-toned soprano to the role of Costanza. She was affecting in the character’s numerous laments, and she and Mr. Mead were meltingly beautiful in the splendid love duet that closes Act II—their first-ever meeting.” -Wall Street Journal
“Soprano SUSANNAH BILLER was no less superlative as Costanza. The duet between Richard and Costanza – the only duet in the opera – was without a doubt the highlight of the evening as their voices blended perfectly together. Costanza’s ‘mad scene’ also captivated the audience. Biller once again sang with remarkable beauty and control and the obbligato sopranino recorder part was played with stunning virtuosity by Laura Osterlund.” – Musical Toronto