News

Here’s what the Florida Orchestra will perform for its 50th anniversary season

Andrew Meacham, Tampa Bay Times, 27th September 2017

As the Florida Orchestra gears up for its golden anniversary in the Tampa Bay area, we asked music director Michael Francis to share his thoughts on the classical lineup. Highlights include at least two orchestral and choral blockbusters, the season-opening Carmina Burana and the Verdi Requiem, plus […]

Florida Orchestra hits the half-century mark on a triumphant note

Andrew Meacham, Tampa Bay Times, 27th September 2017

The Florida Orchestra began 50 years ago with a mixture of nervousness and pride, dreams of artistic excellence and an accompanying surge for the arts on both sides of Tampa Bay.

The decades since have seen improvements as the orchestra has survived through a series of financial crises. […]

Livestream: ARD International Competition – Final Concert

Michael Francis will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as part of the ARD International Music Competition. The final performance will be livestreamed on Friday, 15th September 2017 at 8pm Central European Summer Time.

Livestream: ARD International Competition – Oboe Finalists

Michael Francis will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as part of the ARD International Music Competition. The oboe finalists’ performances will be livestreamed on Sunday, 10th September 2017 at 4pm Central European Summer Time.

Livestream: ARD International Competition – Guitar Finalists

Michael Francis will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as part of the ARD International Music Competition. The guitar finalists’ performances will be livestreamed on Saturday, 9th September 2017 at 4pm Central European Summer Time.

Livestream: ARD International Competition – Piano Finalists

Michael Francis will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as part of the ARD International Music Competition. The piano finalists’ performances will be livestreamed on Friday, 8th September 2017 at 6pm Central European Summer Time.

Livestream: ARD International Competition – Violin Finalists

Michael Francis will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra as part of the ARD International Music Competition. The violin finalists’ performances will be livestreamed on Wednesday, 6th September 2017 at 6pm Central European Summer Time.

Fanfares and percussion from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland

David Smythe, Bachtrack, 5th August 2017

★★★★

“Gershwin’s An American in Paris was a colourful opener, the players immersing themselves into the spirit of Parisian daytime bustle with motor horns and bluesy nights. With double woodwinds and seventeen brass players, the sound was rich and powerful, Francis drawing big sweeps with his arms, yet producing the […]

Florida Orchestra lands rock star Sting for its 50th anniversary gala

Andrew Meacham, Tampa Bay Times, 3rd August 2017

The Florida Orchestra has landed a real rock star.

The orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary fundraising gala with a performance from Sting, one of popular music’s biggest icons, the orchestra announced Thursday.

Orchestra leaders were elated to have finalized the booking with the 16-time Grammy winner, who will […]

Review: BBC Philharmonic

Neil Fisher, The Times, 6th July 2017

★★★
“[Burgess’s Symphony in C] has some juicy orchestration and, conducting, Michael Francis brought glitter and bombast in equal measure to its swelling climaxes and whimsical interludes.”