News Story
The Three Choirs Festival is thrilled to announce David Francis as the incoming Chief Executive, as Alexis Paterson steps down after this summer’s festival in Worcester. Alexis leaves to become the Senior Music Programme Producer at Oxford University’s new concert venue the Schwarzman Centre, opening in 2025.
David joins the Three Choirs Festival from his current role as CEO of Wollongong Conservatorium of Music in Australia, bringing with him a rich and illustrious career in music both here in the UK and in Australia.
David studied singing to postgraduate level at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and through his early career held senior positions with the BBC Symphony Chorus, CBSO, Arts Council England, and Dartington Hall Trust. He was a major contributor to the development and launch of the award-winning PRS Foundation and was its first manager. He firmly established the PRS Foundation as one of the most significant supporters of new music and exciting new talent in the UK.
David was appointed to the post of General Manager of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs – Australia’s premier choral organisation in 2014 which prompted his move to Australia. David was responsible for turning around this crucial arts organisation, which secured resident company status at Sydney Opera House in 2019 and celebrated its centenary in 2020. From Sydney Philharmonia, David went on to develop Four Winds Concerts Inc, a major regional arts organisation in Southern NSW, Australia. Four Winds was an established biennial classical music festival, but over the five years of his leadership the organisation established itself as a year-round presenting organisation with a major music education program and Youth Festival.
“I am delighted to be joining the team at the Three Choirs Festival as the next CE of this incredible and historic festival. As a singer and chorister myself I can’t think of a better context in which to apply the skills I’ve developed over a number of years leading arts organisations in the UK and Australia. I am looking forward to joining the team, reigniting working relationships with colleagues and building on the incredible legacy and success of the Three Choirs Festival.”
- Incoming Chief Executive David Francis
"I am very excited for this new chapter in the Three Choirs Festival as we look towards the celebration of the 300th edition of the festival in 2028. We find ourselves in challenging times for classical music in the UK, and David has the skills and expertise to see the organisation through this to continue to bring unforgettable performance and world-class music to the counties of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, reaching audiences both locally and nationally. David’s passion for choral and classical music will further bring new energy to this wonderful festival with a rich and inspiring history."
- Chair of Three Choirs Festival Board, Naomi Belshaw
“I’d like to congratulate David on his appointment. It’s great to know that I’m handing over to someone that feels so much synergy with the music at the heart of this extraordinary organisation, and who brings such a wealth of experience to the role. I’m sure he’ll receive a warm welcome and I wish him and the festival every future success.”
- Outgoing Chief Executive Alexis Paterson
David will join the Three Choirs Festival in the autumn after relocating from Australia to take up the position.
Photo: David Francis
Brad Chilby
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