You never know what you’re going to get when a new guest conductor arrives. It’s especially true when your scheduled guest has cancelled and the management is casting about frantically trying to get an adequate replacement on board in time for the first rehearsal.
In the case of Michael Francis, who is stepping in for the indisposed Alondra de la Parra, we got the real deal. He’s got all the goods. He has the “pretty hands” that show everything that you want, and without unnecessary talking. He has a calm, confident demeanor. And that bit of British self-deprecation that we Americans love (it makes us feel superior).
Given that two of the pieces are unknown to him (and to us), it could have been a disastrous rehearsal, but in fact, it was a very productive and working rehearsal, with humor and laughter interspersed. I’m very much looking forward to see how the concerts will go.