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Arts Alive! podcast: Michael Francis, The Florida Orchestra
How about this for street cred: As double bassist for the London Symphony Orchestra, Michael Francis performed on the soundtracks of several films in the Star Wars series.
As if that weren’t cool enough, Francis has just begun his 10th season as musical director and principal conductor of The Florida Orchestra. Year 57 for the orchestra begins Saturday and Sunday at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, with a concert centered around Ravel’s fiery Bolero.
The Tampa Bay Master Chorale is part of the weekend program, which also includes De Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain, Chabrier’s España, Villa-Lobos’ Choros No. 10 and Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances.
On today’s Arts Alive! podcast, Francis discusses his classical and pops programming choices for the new season, the specifics of the conductor’s role in orchestral performances, and his unwavering belief that powerful music, impeccably played, can work as a temporary salve for a community that’s hurting.
The Florida Orchestra has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside to collect hurricane relief supplies (specifically cleaning and safety items) at each of this weekend’s concerts. Here’s the list of what they’re looking for.
Click on the arrow to listen to the interview.
