Ken Herman, San Diego Story, 16th June 2016
“Although most conductors pay scant attention to Schubert’s first four symphonies, Francis made a compelling case for Schubert’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major. Based on Joseph Haydn’s sturdy classical four-movement design, Schubert’s First Symphony sails through those well-charted waters with buoyant optimism. From the orchestra, Francis elicited clean, articulate phrasing, even in the busiest passage work. He was not afraid to bring out bold dramatic surges now and then, but he never sacrificed the orchestra’s cohesive ensemble.”
