Lucia di Lammermoor
Conductor John Baril makes magic with the CCO pit band, distinguished further by principal flutist Jessica Warren-Acosta as Petrova’s partner in the “Mad Scene.” No matter how you read the Sir Walter Scott’s novel that is the source of Donizetti’s libretto, “Lucia” is heavy stuff, and that encourages some to bring Wagnerian weight to the score. Not so [Baril] who — stressing the marvelous lightness of Petrova’s voice — emphasized the transparency of the score [to] make it downright luminescent.
— Boulder Daily Camera June, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
One owes a debt of gratitude to conductor John Baril for pacing the proceedings with a sensitive baton, which creates a glorious synchronization of the luscious Central City Opera orchestra with the singers onstage.
— Outfront June, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
Conductor John Baril, the company’s music director, turns in a strong performance in the pit, capably pacing the production and backing the singers.
— Denver Post June, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
An orchestra can get lost amid such pyrotechnics. This one, lead by John Baril, navigates the sometimes demanding score well, not only standing up to the massive vocal talent on the stage, but supporting it with equal skill, revealing the fascinating dark underpinnings of a composition that often contradicts the text.
— Colorado Springs Gazette July, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
…an ensemble as powerful as Donizetti’s score, which is impressively delivered by John Baril and the festival orchestra.
— ColoradoDrama.com July, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
John Baril presided very capably, admirably allowing many numbers their full repeats and endings.
— Opera News October, 2009
Lucia di Lammermoor
Conductor John Baril, Central City Opera’s Music Director, seamlessly integrated the cast and orchestra. The singing and acting consistently revealed the work’s depths.
— Opera Now October, 2009
Little Women
In the pit, John Baril conducts Adamo’s busy score with a sure hand and keen sense of balance.
— Rocky Mountain News July, 2001
Little Women
Conductor John Baril holds everything in the production together with a master’s hand.
— Boulder Daily Camera July, 2001
Little Women
The score was capably performed by the pit orchestra under the direction of John Baril
no doubt he deserves his share of the credit for superior quality of the singing heard throughout this production.
— Denver Post July, 2001