Three Choirs Festival names new Chief Executive

DAVID FRANCIS has been appointed Chief Executive of the Three Choirs Festival, which rotates between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester.

Francis, who will join the festival this autumn, is currently Chief Executive of Wollongong Conservatorium of Music in Australia. He has been based there since 2014, when he was appointed General Manager of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

Between 2015 and 2021 Francis led the Four Winds arts organisation in New South Wales, transforming it from a biennial festival into a year-round presenting organisation.

He previously held senior UK positions with the BBC Symphony Chorus, Arts Council England and Dartington Hall Trust.

Francis succeeds ALEXIS PATERSON. Following this year’s festival in Worcester, Paterson will take up a new post as Senior Music Programme Producer at Oxford University’s new concert venue, the Schwarzman Centre, which opens in 2025. 

NAOMI BELSHAW, Chair of the Three Choirs Festival board, said Francis had the “skills and expertise” to steer the organisation through its current period, as it anticipates its 300th edition in 2028.

“David’s passion for choral and classical music will further bring new energy to this wonderful festival with a rich and inspiring history,” she commented.

Francis said he was delighted to be joining the “incredible and historic” event, which is thought to be the longest-standing classical music festival in the world.

“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,” he said.

Paterson said: “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.”