Photo by Marco Borggreve
Michael Francis, who served as principal conductor for the San Francisco Symphony's summer series in 2011 and 2012, and led the New Year's Eve concerts in 2011 and 2013, has been named Music Director of the Florida Orchestra, beginning next season. (The SFS 2014 "Summer and the Symphony" is headed by Edwin Outwater.)
Francis, 37, received the appointment in the third year of a planned four-year search process. His predecessors were Irwin Hoffman, Jahja Ling, and Stefan Sanderling.
Francis has just completed his second season as chief conductor and artistic advisor to Sweden’s Norrköping Symphony Orchestra. The 37-year-old is hailed as a rising star in the conducting world in both the U.S. and abroad. “I am delighted and honored to be the new music director of the Florida Orchestra," Francis says. "During the very first rehearsal with the orchestra, I could sense an enthusiasm and passion to make music together that was truly exciting. With this talented group of musicians, I believe we have a tremendous future ahead of us.”
Search Committee Chair Jane Peppard said, "Selecting a new music director has been an important and exciting process for our orchestra. Michael Francis is the unanimous choice of the committee. He is a fantastic musician, engaging, charismatic and charming. Michael is very much a leader — the total package.”