Florida Orchestra opens a season of renewal

Stephanie Hayes, Tampa Bay Times, 2nd October 2014

Autumn has just begun, but for the Florida Orchestra, it may as well be the season of spring.

It’s a time of renewal and budding relationships for the orchestra, which has spent two seasons reeling and healing from the abrupt, early departure of music director Stefan Sanderling. When orchestra leaders packed the 2014-15 season with guest conductors, they fully expected to still be searching for a replacement.

Then, a bit of kismet. They found an unexpected spark with Michael Francis, a British conductor who clicked with orchestra musicians on visits. He doesn’t officially start his three-year contract until next year but will visit to conduct concerts this season…