"Other cross-gendered roles were excellently handled, particularly Vivien Shotwell as Ottone. A nobleman dressed as a homeless person, Shotwell accepted, even reveled in, the character’s debasement, as he cannot let go of Poppea. Without glamorous vocal writing to define him, the role often comes off as a tedious bore, but Shotwell’s portrayal was gripping, her voice rich in its lowest reaches and projecting just enough gender ambiguity."

— Judith Malafronte, Opera News

Yale Opera Presents A Crystalline 'Rape of Lucretia'

“The dramatic centerpiece of the work was the interaction of mezzo-soprano Vivien Shotwell as Lucretia and baritone Cameron McPhail as Tarquinius.... Shotwell was filled with intensities and even sang her succession of low B-naturals in the second act like the ringing of a haunted bell.”

— Jeffrey Johnson, Hartford Courant

Beatrice et Benedict

“The performance I heard included Robert Clark as Benedict and Vivien Shotwell as Beatrice, both of whom were vocally excellent in their roles…”

— Kenneth DeLong, Opera Canada

Purcell's Dido and Aeneas by the New Opera at Williamstown and the New York Collective of the Performing Arts in Boston

“Vivien Shotwell is indeed a promising singer at the very beginning of her professional career, and I was delighted to hear her, especially her reedy, dark chest tones. Her vocal production, phrasing, and musicianship were impressive throughout, but she rose to a very high level in her final scenes, especially in Dido’s great Lament, which could not have been more moving and musicianly.”

— Michael Miller, Berkshire Review for the Arts

Giulio Cesare In Egitto - Halifax Summer Opera Workshop

“…Vivien Shotwell was energetic and manly as Cesare, and convincingly fell in love with the irresistible Cleopatra.”