Tosca
John Baril conducted a stylistically accurate, theatrically vivid account of this thrice-familiar score. The orchestra responded with real fire and commitment. The divisi ‘celli were especially vibrant and pulsing with emotion. The clarinet solo work was impeccably haunting. Whether playing soli or tutti, Maestro Baril inspired these fine players to thrilling results. He did on occasion allow soloists to indulge in some held high notes that were long enough to give Corelli pause, but that is a minor consideration. His reading had veristic sweep as well as minute detail.
— James Sohre Opera Today July, 2016
Tosca
Baril, the CCO music director, typically conducts each season’s “standard” opera, and his artistry cannot be underestimated. His sensitive and intelligent musicianship, and that of his orchestra, are absolutely vital here. Puccini’s habit of doubling vocal lines where singers routinely stretch out the rhythm is just one challenging aspect of the score which Baril has totally mastered.
— Kelly Dean Hansen Boulder Daily Camera July, 2016
Tosca
Conductor John Baril brings out the contrasting sounds of the Puccini score – although the orchestra did not have as many stands as Puccini would have demanded, they produce a great sound.
— Delaware Arts Info May, 2010
Tosca
…rich orchestral playing led by John Baril made for a memorable production.
— Colorado Independent July, 1998
Street Scene
Conductor John Baril obviously has taken into account Weill’s classical and pop sides, give space to the former and pizzazz to the latter. If you see only one production in Central this summer, this is the one!
— Denver Post July, 1999
Street Scene
Kudos also to John Baril and solid pit orchestra, …giving the jazzy-bluesy Broadway sound of Weill an energetic interpretation.
— Rocky Mountain News July, 1999
Street Scene
It takes a stage director with the mind and heart of Michael Ehrman and a conductor with the intelligence and insight of John Baril to bring this off.
— Daily Camera July, 1999
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
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
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