Francis has an international reputation for his work as a vocal coach, recitalist, chorus master, continuo player and conductor. He worked extensively for Opera Australia and held the position of Head of Music at both West Australian Opera and Houston Grand Opera.
After five years working as Marketing and Development Manager of the world renowned Gondwana Choirs, Francis recently was appointed General Manager and Associate Artistic Director of The Song Company, Australia’s premier professional vocal ensemble.
Francis has prepared singers and choruses in more than 60 operas and in Art Song across all languages. As a vocal coach, Francis is particularly known for his skill in preparing established and developing singers for professional role debuts through his extensive repertoire experience, and for providing singers with the tools to continue developing and refining their voices through a deep understanding of vocal production, language fluency, musical styles and performance psychology. His highly developed sense of empathy makes him both an ideal coach and recital partner and has performed across Europe, North and South America, New Zealand and Australia.
Francis is a regular guest at West Australian Opera and recently directed two major performances with the Masters of Opera students at the University of Melbourne.
Francis gained both his Master of Music and Artist Diploma from the University of Cincinnati along with other qualifications from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the University of Western Australia. He is currently completing his PhD at the University of Melbourne.
