Street Scene
…Best Ensemble of 1999
— Westword Best of Denver December, 1999
Romeo et Juliette
Against this luscious setting played the crystalline tones of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, led with a deft baton by Conductor John Baril. Smoothly transitioning from the exuberant staccatos of Act I to the languorous romantic melodies of Acts II and V, the orchestra perfectly prepared the singers for musical excellence. And that, certainly, was achieved.
— Michael Poandl DC Metro Theatre Arts February, 2016
Romeo et Juliette
…and of conductor John Baril, whose pacing offered both dramatic excitement and vocal space. The orchestra may have managed just a tentative-sounding overture, but the players gathered their forces, found some of the sharp-edged atacks and the color that had been missing at the beginning and provided a vivid soundscape for the rest of the evening.
— Joan Reinthaler Washington Post February, 2016
Magic Flute
The Chorus, superbly prepared by John Baril, provided the most musically moving moments of the evening.
— Boulder Daily Camera November, 2006
Madama Butterfly
The orchestra, conducted by John Baril, is professional and well-balanced, particularly the strings, whose opening fugue is crisp and vibrant, and whose pizzicato accompaniment of the famous “Humming Chorus” is carefully restrained. The accompaniment to the final suicide scene is brilliant.
— Boulder Daily Camera June, 2005
Madama Butterfly
Resident Conductor John Baril did his usual capable job in the pit…
— The Denver Post June, 2005
Madama Butterfly
In the pit, Baril was efficient in leading the orchestra through Puccini’s vivid score; tempos and balances proved mostly ideal.
— Rocky Mountain News June, 2005
Madama Butterfly
Conductor John Baril leads a talented Festival Orchestra that delivers a warm, deliciously melodic rendition of Puccini’s score.
— ColoradoDrama.com July, 2005
Madama Butterfly
The casting is impeccable, and the orchestra, under the direction of John Baril, sounds terrific.
— Westword July, 2005
Madama Butterfly
In the pit, John Baril achieved good balance and reasonable flow.
— Opera News October, 2005