David Francis combines an active performing life with work as an educationalist. As a harpsichordist his extensive career spans the many facets of the instrument, with his directing, recital and concerto experience encompassing renaissance, baroque, classical and 20th century music.
Highly regarded as a continuo player, he has toured extensively as a chamber musician, and appeared with Britain’s leading orchestras, distinguished soloists and conductors. He has recorded for CD (including with an R’n’B Band!), broadcast on Classic FM, Radios 2, 3 and the World Service, as well as film projects, including for BBC 2. Currently he is particularly linked with the RLPO and the 18th Century Concert Orchestra, as well as a variety of chamber ensembles, including Baroque In The North.
David’s enjoyment of teaching is reflected in a varied career that has been bookended by working in very different high profile institutions; the Royal Northern College of Music, where he established an Early Music Department, helped to lead the Keyboard School and was Senior Lecturer in harpsichord; and The Manchester Grammar School, where he was Head of Academic Music.
He has also taught harpsichord at Chetham’s School of Music, as well as for a number of universities. He is now harpsichord tutor at Manchester University, and examines for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.