Press

Seldom in this reviewer’s experience has Verdi’s triumvirate of characters received such a balanced embodiment by actors who can act as well as they sing. Harnessing the magic and mystery of Verdi’s composition, esteemed conductor John Baril keeps the voices on stage and the scrumptious Central City Opera Orchestra in the pit in an alignment that’s superbly balanced.
— David Marlowe Marlowe’s Musings July, 2015

It may have been Mozartean business as usual onstage, but such was hardly the case in the pit. For the first time in nearly three decades, Opera Colorado did not employ the Colorado Symphony, due largely to a financial crisis that threatened the orchestra last year. Opera Colorado and its board opted to hire a freelance ensemble – a switch that turned out to be hardly noticeable. In his podium debut, John Baril, the company’s chorus director, led a solid, well-prepared orchestra in a spirited, polished performance.
— Marc Shulgold Opera News April, 2012

John Baril and the Opera Colorado orchestra deliver an impressive rendition of the complex score.
— Bob Bows coloradodrama.com February, 2012

John Baril displays the great clarity and charm of the score. Tempos were lively, but never pushed to uncomfortable speeds, and slower arias were given their full breadth without ever becoming heavy, slow or marmoreal. Clarity between strings and woodwinds was exemplary.
— Susan Hall Berkshire Fine Arts February, 2012

Conductor John Baril capably led the orchestra with well-paced transitions that did well to keep the action moving.
— Carol Perry OPERAGASM February, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

John Baril led a solid pit orchestra in a neatly paced accompaniment.
— Rocky Mountain News June, 2004

Little Women (under John Baril) was that rare thing among modern operas – memorable.
— BBC Music Magazine November, 2001

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

…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

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

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

Conductor John Baril holds everything in the production together with a master’s hand.
— Boulder Daily Camera July, 2001

In the pit, John Baril conducts Adamo’s busy score with a sure hand and keen sense of balance.
— Rocky Mountain News July, 2001

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

John Baril presided very capably, admirably allowing many numbers their full repeats and endings.
— Opera News October, 2009