Le nozze di Figaro
The final part that matters in this work is played by the musicians and they performed it well under John Baril. But here too, balance ruled the evening. Voices and instruments connected as the performance continued. The chemistry was solid and extended throughout the hall, even into the audience.
— Denver Post February, 2012
Le nozze di Figaro
John Baril, OC chorus master, took the baton as conductor for the first time, and led the long score with great confidence. The new OC orchestra was precise, crisp and nimble, and the thrilling trumpets at the end of “Non piu andrai” were extremely memorable.
— Kelly Dean Hansen Boulder Daily Camera February, 2012
Les contes d’Hoffmann
The solo chairs (notably violin, cello and winds) play expertly, while concerted violin passages sometimes slipped in intonation
but standards are high under musical administrator John Baril, who also led a taut but romantic Hoffmann.
— Opera News October, 2004
Les contes d’Hoffmann
Offenbach’s delightful score, with a surprising number of familiar melodies, is warmly presented by the Festival Orchestra, led by John Baril.
— ColoradoDrama.com June, 2004
Les contes d’Hoffmann
Offenbach manages to transcend the world of operetta in this substantial score, which is effectively brought to life by conductor John Baril and the company’s fine pit orchestra.
— Denver Post June, 2004
Les contes d’Hoffmann
John Baril led a solid pit orchestra in a neatly paced accompaniment.
— Rocky Mountain News June, 2004
Little Women
Little Women (under John Baril) was that rare thing among modern operas – memorable.
— BBC Music Magazine November, 2001
Little Women
John Baril conducted with élan. He was willing to luxuriate in a lovely passage, giving it room to bloom…
— Santa Fe New Mexican August, 2001
Little Women
…the impressions that linger longest are of the many robust performances, the precise orchestral playing (CCO’s music administrator John Baril conducts)…
— Westword July, 2001
Little Women
John Baril, as conductor and chorus master, did an excellent job with some very tricky music. The shifts in style the musical complexity of the ensemble singing, all come out quite effectively.
— Weekly Register Call July, 2001