Alun Francis has conducted more than 150 orchestras and opera ensembles in 25 countries. Since joining the Ulster Orchestra and Northern Ireland Opera Trust as conductor and artistic director in 1966, Francis has conducted most of Britain’s major orchestras, including the City of Birmingham Symphony and the Hallé. He has recorded widely, winning the Premiere Prize at the Cannes Classical Awards in January 2000 for his recording of the complete symphonies of Darius Milhaud on CPO. His opera repertoire includes over 70 works and he has recorded six discs with Opera Rara, including the world premiere of Donizetti’s Gabriella di Vergy (ORC3).