Saarbruecker Zeitung, 5th December 2016
“Michael Francis acted graciously on the podium. A guest conductor who is not only elegant with his baton but also inspires a sound sensuality with his gestures. In “Lullaby,” by the Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik, he creates an impeccable pianissimo work for strings. The simple folksong was brought to life with refined and shimmering violin-weaving, the music all-encompassed by the soft pulse beat of two harps, all suitable for meditation.”
and Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D major:
“Free of stilted mannerisms, Francis animated a lively and refined performance with dynamic differences and ingenious accents. A fresh synthesis of Folk with Intellectual, a modern orchestral sound and a great knowledge of the score. A magnificent stimulating evening.”
