Thom Mariner, Movers & Makers Cincinnati, 25th May 2017
Friday, May 26
Elgar: “The Dream of Gerontius”
Michael Francis
The conductor: British-born Michael Francis is currently music director of the Florida Orchestra and San Diego’s Mainly Mozart Festival.
After several years as a tenured double-bass player in the London Symphony Orchestra, he came to prominence as a conductor in 2007, replacing an indisposed Valery Gergiev.
Acclaim: “The young Englishman … is a great hit with our audience, bringing just the right touch of knowing wit, uncomplicated musicality, good spirits and schoolboy snark to the proceedings.” – Berkshire Review, San Francisco Symphony
Insight: “Gerontius,” a grand Victorian epic composed in 1900, is widely regarded as Elgar’s finest choral work. This is Part II of Gerard McBurney’s “Dream Project,” and a world away from the fleet, rhythmic world of Mendelssohn.
Janelle Gelfand of the Cincinnati Enquirer called Francis “a young conductor whose star is on the rise” two years ago when he guested with the CSO. He is praised for his ability to connect with orchestra players and audiences alike.
