The Florida Orchestra has extended Music Director Michael Francis’ “contract another three years, pushing his commitment through the 2023-2024 season,” writes Andrew Meacham in Friday’s (9/28) Tampa Bay Times. Francis joined the orchestra as music director in 2015; his most recent contract runs through 2021. “ ‘I think Tampa Bay is such an exciting area,’ Francis said. ‘It’s growing so quickly and well. Florida is booming like nowhere else. And I really feel that there’s something we can create here which is extraordinary… if I give it more time then we can plan ahead so much more.’ … Under his leadership, the orchestra has expanded free community concerts, performed in schools and hospitals, offered free violin lessons to at-risk children and sponsored teaching artists in Pinellas County schools. Francis lives in Lutz with his wife, Cindy, who grew up there, and their daughter, Annabella, 3. ‘My family is very happy here…. But I think the real reason is that when I came here, I gave my word that I would give my best. And I’m intent on doing that.’ ”
Posted October 4, 2018
Michael Francis photo by Chris Urso
