Daniel J. Kushner, Democrat & Chronicle, 1st June 2014
“Guest conductor Michael Francis’ blend of control and effusiveness sustained the magisterial momentum of the prologue…
Under Francis’ direction, “Venus, The Bringer of Peace” was strikingly lyrical. The string section added elegiac beauty to its honeyed melodies, implying that the peace that was won had come at a high price.
The guest conductor’s attentiveness to detail and enthusiasm for variances in articulation and dynamics were particularly fruitful in the third movement, “Mercury, The Winged Messenger.” The violins and woodwinds exuded excitement…
In “Uranus, The Magician” Francis’ chemistry with the orchestra was most evident, especially in the way he drew a thick, march-like quality from the basses and trombones and an especially mischievous agility from the violins.”
