"The Marin Symphony, conducted by John Mario di Costanzo, was a powerhouse." —Magique fan review
"The Marin Orchestra then presented an astounding interpretation of the Pirates of the Caribbean. I was transfixed by the magic John Mario was directing." —Magique fan review
"John Mario began Queen’s famous Bohemian Rhapsody with a startling command of his piano. John Mario as pianist shined bright, that light helping to illume the entire orchestra in a kind of controlled frenzy. I feel that people who came to see only Jackie found it hard to ignore such a high level of pianism, orchestral power and majesty. Afterwards, entering the stage again, Jackie with big eyes exclaimed, “That was awesome!” —Magique fan review
“Even before the curtain rose, the intense opening notes in the orchestra at the Sarasota Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor crackled with energy. Conductor John Di Costanzo quickly established that his approach to this music was going to be forceful; tempos were rapid, climaxes loud. His excellent ensemble responded with brilliant clarity and detail.” —The St. Petersburg Times
“John Di Costanzo’s musical direction was every bit as suave as his matinée idol looks.” —Opera Now
"Under John Mario Di Costanzo, the already-fine TCO orchestra never has sounded better. Di Costanzo was consistent throughout in guiding the musicians to realize a nearly perfect ensemble." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"What maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has done is to, literally, transform the opera’s orchestra to such a high level of playing that it’s hard to imagine these already fine musicians could sound even better." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror - Attending Tri-Cities Opera’s final dress rehearsal of La Traviata
"Di Costanzo has an innate ability to draw out the finer nuances of Verdi’s rich score, from the haunting prelude to his attention to detail with every soloist and choral moment. He “breathes” with his singers, giving them room for ample interpretive moments and deep artistic liberty with Verdi’s riveting music." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"The orchestra, conducted by John Mario Di Costanzo, performed as a finely honed instrument. Never obtrusive, never overshadowing the singers. The cellos and violins sang with the same poignancy and pathos as the performers on stage." —Lee Shepard, Broome Arts Mirror
"As usual, maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has drilled his musicians well, and the orchestra played Puccini’s score with aplomb. His attention to detail was quite amazing. It is imperative to play as an ensemble, and Di Costanzo is master of this." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"Young conductor John Mario di Costanzo led the orchestra with a fizzing vitality and an impressive sense of Donizetti’s comedy style." —South Florida review, Sarasota Opera
"The Marin Orchestra then presented an astounding interpretation of the Pirates of the Caribbean. I was transfixed by the magic John Mario was directing." —Magique fan review
"John Mario began Queen’s famous Bohemian Rhapsody with a startling command of his piano. John Mario as pianist shined bright, that light helping to illume the entire orchestra in a kind of controlled frenzy. I feel that people who came to see only Jackie found it hard to ignore such a high level of pianism, orchestral power and majesty. Afterwards, entering the stage again, Jackie with big eyes exclaimed, “That was awesome!” —Magique fan review
“Even before the curtain rose, the intense opening notes in the orchestra at the Sarasota Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor crackled with energy. Conductor John Di Costanzo quickly established that his approach to this music was going to be forceful; tempos were rapid, climaxes loud. His excellent ensemble responded with brilliant clarity and detail.” —The St. Petersburg Times
“John Di Costanzo’s musical direction was every bit as suave as his matinée idol looks.” —Opera Now
"Under John Mario Di Costanzo, the already-fine TCO orchestra never has sounded better. Di Costanzo was consistent throughout in guiding the musicians to realize a nearly perfect ensemble." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"What maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has done is to, literally, transform the opera’s orchestra to such a high level of playing that it’s hard to imagine these already fine musicians could sound even better." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror - Attending Tri-Cities Opera’s final dress rehearsal of La Traviata
"Di Costanzo has an innate ability to draw out the finer nuances of Verdi’s rich score, from the haunting prelude to his attention to detail with every soloist and choral moment. He “breathes” with his singers, giving them room for ample interpretive moments and deep artistic liberty with Verdi’s riveting music." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"The orchestra, conducted by John Mario Di Costanzo, performed as a finely honed instrument. Never obtrusive, never overshadowing the singers. The cellos and violins sang with the same poignancy and pathos as the performers on stage." —Lee Shepard, Broome Arts Mirror
"As usual, maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has drilled his musicians well, and the orchestra played Puccini’s score with aplomb. His attention to detail was quite amazing. It is imperative to play as an ensemble, and Di Costanzo is master of this." —Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"Young conductor John Mario di Costanzo led the orchestra with a fizzing vitality and an impressive sense of Donizetti’s comedy style." —South Florida review, Sarasota Opera
“Tri-Cities Opera concludes its season this weekend with a lush and haunting interpretation of Jacques Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. … another excellent production with a fine cast and a stunning orchestra led by John Mario Di Costanzo.” — Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
"Attending Tri-Cities Opera’s final dress rehearsal Wednesday (Feb. 9) for Giuseppe Verdi’s perennial favorite, La Traviata, I did not believe this production could surpass the excellence of last fall’s Cosi Fan Tutte. I was wrong. What maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has done is to, literally, transform the opera’s orchestra to such a high level of playing that it’s hard to imagine these already fine musicians could sound even better. — Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
“Tri-Cities Opera’s production of Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) and was not disappointed. All of the principals were strong with a few standouts. No surprise here that the orchestra also was excellent under the firm hand of Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo. The overture, a signature piece, was worth the price of admission.” — Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
“Playing a grueling, non-stop score, the orchestra under Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo is to be highly commended for its rock-solid foundation for the opera.” — Lee Shepard, Broome Arts Mirror
"Attending Tri-Cities Opera’s final dress rehearsal Wednesday (Feb. 9) for Giuseppe Verdi’s perennial favorite, La Traviata, I did not believe this production could surpass the excellence of last fall’s Cosi Fan Tutte. I was wrong. What maestro John Mario Di Costanzo has done is to, literally, transform the opera’s orchestra to such a high level of playing that it’s hard to imagine these already fine musicians could sound even better. — Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
“Tri-Cities Opera’s production of Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) and was not disappointed. All of the principals were strong with a few standouts. No surprise here that the orchestra also was excellent under the firm hand of Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo. The overture, a signature piece, was worth the price of admission.” — Tony Vilecco, Broome Arts Mirror
“Playing a grueling, non-stop score, the orchestra under Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo is to be highly commended for its rock-solid foundation for the opera.” — Lee Shepard, Broome Arts Mirror