Jan Benedict Tiggeler, Mannheimer Morgan, 3rd January 2024
“The German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate under its chief conductor Michael Francis invited people to the New Year’s Concert – a successful home game between Vienna and Paris!…
The first Carmen Suite began the evening. Michael Francis, expressive and with precise signaling, spanned the arc from the threatening beginning to the proud bullfighter’s “off to fight”. In between, the flute and harp lead a dreamy dialogue in the interlude to the third act, the oboe dances the seguidilla on behalf of Carmen and the bassoons march with the dragoons. A picture sheet that the orchestra spreads out in the most colorful way.”
