Tosca
Central City Opera music director John Baril provided able support in the pit and brought out the many beauties of this score.
— Kyle MacMillan Opera News September, 2016
Tosca
Reflecting the modern setting, CCO Music Director John Baril took a brisk approach to the score without detracting from Puccini’s long, lyrical lines.
— Sabine Kortals The Denver Post August, 2016
Tosca
Finally I will mention that the orchestra was great and the conductor John Baril excellent. His pacing and his ability to maintain coordination with the stage was almost uncanny.
— S. Blake Duncan blakesoperablog August, 2016
Tosca
Noticeably effective is musical conductor John Barils ability to sync the music with the singers. There is not a moment of discord in the entire opera.
— Claudia Carbone BlastingNewsTV July, 2016
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