James Chute, U-T San Diego, 14th June 2014
“…Francis knew every nuance of this difficult score and he and the orchestra offered a compelling, convincing interpretation. He found exactly the right tone for both the satire, even sarcasm, inherent in the score, and the work’s seriousness of purpose as he and the orchestra sounded as a single instrument.
He was equally impressive in Haydn’s rarely performed Symphony No. 60, “Il Distratto.” As this six movement work is less a symphony and more incidental music to a play, the usual conventions that generally make the symphonic form coherent don’t apply. Haydn gives his imagination, and sense of humor, free reign. Francis made order out of this potentially chaotic work, and without inhibiting any of Haydn’s charm.
He’s smart, charming with the audience, and his conducting emphasizes the long line and the big picture. With this gifted ensemble, that picture was crystal clear.”
