The Three Choirs Festival has announced David Francis as its new chief executive officer, following the departure of Alexis Paterson who leaves to become the Senior Music Programme Producer with Oxford University’s new concert venue, the Schwarzman Centre, opening in 2025.

Currently CEO of Wollongong Conservatorium of Music in Australia, Franics studied for a postgraduate in singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and trained as a chorister. He has held senior positions with the BBC Symphony Chorus, CBSO, Arts Council England, and Dartington Hall Trust and was also a major contributor to the launch of the PRS Foundation, He was the Foundation's first manager prior to his move to Australia in 2014, when appointed to the post of General Manager of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

Francis said of his appointment: ‘I am delighted to be joining the team at the Three Choirs Festival as the next CE of this incredible and historic festival ... 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.’

Chair of Three Choirs Festival Board, Naomi Belshaw said: ‘I am very excited for this new chapter in the Three Choirs Festival as we look towards the celebration of the 300^th edition of the festival 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.’

Franics will join the Three Choirs Festival in the autumn after relocating from Australia to take up the position.

3choirs.org