The Florida Orchestra extends Michael Francis’ contract through 2030

Photos: Click for photos and video of Michael Francis

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Internationally acclaimed conductor Michael Francis has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him music director of The Florida Orchestra through at least the 2029-30 season, the orchestra announced today. The agreement extends his artistic leadership of the state’s largest professional orchestra to 15 years and solidifies his long-term commitment to the Tampa Bay community.

Unanimously approved by TFO’s Board of Directors, the agreement would make Francis TFO’s longest-serving music director since Irwin Hoffman, the orchestra’s first conductor from 1968 to 1988. This is the third contract extension for Francis, who was an instant hit when he became music director in the 2015-16 season.

During his nine-year tenure, Francis has raised TFO’s standard of excellence and built the orchestra artistically into what it is today. He has had the final say in hiring nearly half of the orchestra – 29 of the 70 current full-time musicians and conductors. With a unique blend of wit and analysis, Francis is popular for helping audiences feel a deep, personal connection to the music through Pre-Concert Conversations and his signature Inside the Music series. In 2022, Francis was instrumental in forging a new partnership with Opera Tampa to provide live TFO music for productions for the first time in 20 years.

"I'm delighted, honored and humbled to have been asked to commit my long-term future to The Florida Orchestra. As a partner to the marvelous musicians, board and staff, I am proud of what we have achieved together. Yet, in many ways, I feel we have barely scratched the surface of our potential. In the ten years that my family and I have called Tampa Bay home, this region has experienced extraordinary growth, with people moving here from all over the world for our vibrant arts and culture scene. I am determined to make sure TFO – with our passion for excellence, communication and education – becomes the internationally recognized orchestra these musicians, and this community, deserve." said Francis, who was born near London but lives locally with his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Annabella. In 2019, he became a U.S. citizen. "At the heart of my decision to stay are the wonderful musicians and patrons of TFO. We are building a remarkable orchestra, one with a unified dedication and commitment to performing live music at a world-class level each weekend. Making music with these incredible musicians for our highly engaged audiences is deeply inspiring."

Now in its 56th season, the nonprofit Florida Orchestra has achieved steady year-over-year growth in attendance and fundraising support from the community, corporate and foundation sponsors, and partners. For the first time this season, the Hough Family has made a generous commitment as sponsors of Music Director Michael Francis. TFO serves the Tampa Bay community with more than 150 concerts and music education and outreach programs each season.

“This extension is great news for everyone in Tampa Bay,” said TFO Board Chair Gregory Yadley. “The long-term commitment by world-class Music Director Michael Francis allows TFO to build on our solid foundation for future growth. Our mission is to serve all of our diverse population in this thriving community – with more music, more education and more inspiration, all at the highest levels of excellence. This puts a stake in the ground for the Tampa Bay area as a destination for the arts, in addition to recreation and sports. With the robust support of our community, I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”

“I could not have a better partner than Michael Francis,” said TFO President & CEO Ignacio Barrón Viela. “His exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to innovation have not only elevated the artistic level of our orchestra but have enriched the cultural tapestry of our community. This is the strong Florida Orchestra that Tampa Bay deserves – an arts and culture leader who plays a vital role in fueling the extraordinary growth and success of this region.”

Francis believes music is a living art form, and he and his wife have sponsored multiple commissions of new music that showcase Florida talent for the premier Hough Family Foundation Masterworks classical series. In the 2022-23 season, The Florida Orchestra performed the world premiere of Tampa native Michael Ippolito’s Violin Concerto, which was composed for TFO Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer and commissioned by Francis and TFO.

“Michael Francis has brought this orchestra to a whole new level. As a strong artistic leader, he has established a culture of excellence in everything we do. He demands it in us, and he demands it in himself. He taps into that inherent desire we all have to be great,” Multer said. “What sets The Florida Orchestra apart is not just the quality of musicians on stage but the positive attitude on stage. That stands out to our guest artists, who perform all over the world. They feel how much we care about the music, and the audience feels that passion in our performances.”

“The trajectory of the Florida Orchestra’s music making has been rising steadily under Michael Francis’ baton,” said Associate Principal Trombone and Orchestra Committee Chair Ross Holcombe. “Michael holds us to high artistic standards and has really developed the sound of the orchestra during his tenure. Michael is a great storyteller, and always seeks to have the orchestra communicate authentically with our audiences.”

Francis’ key initiatives also include TFO’s Chamber Concert series, the Sing Out Tampa Bay community sing-along concert and innovative programs that take music into the community. During Francis’ tenure, TFO has expanded its education and community partnerships in meaningful ways, including teaching artists in Pinellas schools, free music education through TFO Strings for Kids program, master classes, side-by-side concerts with youth orchestras, and revamped Family Concerts and Youth Concerts.

This weekend: Francis conducts the centerpiece program of the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series, featuring the 100^th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, with pianist Aldo López-Gavilán. The program also includes Stravinsky’s Ebony Concerto with Principal Clarinet Natalie Hoe, Wynton Marsalis’ Herald, Holler & Hallelujah, Mason Bates’ Alternative Energy and Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On the Town. Concerts are Saturday and Sunday at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Details: FloridaOrchestra.org.

Michael Francis is only the fourth music director in TFO’s 56-year history. After several years as a tenured double-bass player in the London Symphony Orchestra, he came to prominence as a conductor in January 2007, when he filled in for an indisposed conductor for LSO concerts. He now conducts throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He also is chief conductor of Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz in Germany and music director of the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego. He was previously chief conductor and artistic advisor of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra from 2012-16. Click here for a full bio