Personal statement

Francis started his musical career when, at the age of seven, he was awarded a scholarship to Westminster Cathedral Choir School. Coached by James O'Donnell, he sang on multiple Gramophone award-winning albums as a chorister, recorded with the King's Consort and was one of two soloists to perform for a televised concert of Yehudi Menuhin's 80th birthday celebration at the Royal Albert Hall.

A passionate educator, he held the post of associate lecturer and artistic director of the principal chorus and chamber choir at Bath Spa University for nearly ten years, during which time he inspired a whole generation of young singers and musicians, many of whom continue to sing under his baton.

His two choirs, Lucis and Noctis, have quickly established a reputation for choral excellence, both here in the UK and internationally. Highlights include a concert of music by Grammy award-winning composer, Christopher Tin, at the Cadogan Hall with Angel City Chorale and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a DCINY massed-choirs performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man at Carnegie Hall and a WW1 centenary concert accompanied by the Southern Sinfonia with guest speaker, Terry Waite.

Francis is currently enrolled on an MFA in Professional Media Composition at the University of Chichester and has recently finished three commissions for Lucis, a new song for Voices for Life which was recorded at Real World Studios, as well as a soundtrack for an upcoming mobile game. He is also an experienced piano teacher, repetiteur and Estill-trained vocal coach and a member of the examiner panel for ABRSM.

Academic qualifications

  • BA(Hons) Bath Spa University
  • PGCE Bath Spa University.

Professional memberships

  • Association of British Choral Directors.