Press

“Finally, a fitting tribute to conductor John Baril is in order. The CCO Music Director marks his 30 years with the company. In those years, he has always led a highly professional and polished pit orchestra, shown extreme sensitivity to his singers, and served as the musical glue that binds every production he leads. It is to Baril’s credit that the overture made the impact it did even with the pantomime. He engaged with the audience while leading the Radetzky March, in the set change between Act II and the shorter Act III. As usual, his awesome orchestral players, guided by his assured hand, supported the singers, particularly in the often-difficult transitions between dialogue and singing. Baril is a treasure, the heart of CCO, and his three decades are justly highlighted by the company in this season’s return to its venue and its roots, showcased in this joyous production of Die Fledermaus.”

– Kelly Dean Hansen, Ph.D.,  Weekly Call Register, July 2022

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
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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
1 … 5 6 7