Introducing Max Francis!
One of the student soloists at the 2024 Spark to Flame Student Showcase!
Max Francis is a 12-year old multi-instrumentalist and composer from Victoria, BC. Max is equally at home in the fiddle and classical worlds. In 2023, he was featured as a soloist with the Victoria Symphony, while at the National Music Festival his chamber trio was awarded first place and Max achieved the platinum standard for composition. He is the current US National Fiddle Champion for his age and the youngest person ever to win the BC Fiddle Championship and to be invited to compete at Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Competition where he has twice finished in the top 10. This is his second time to perform with Spark to Flame.
How long have you been learning music/ playing your instrument?
I’ve playing music for six years now, exploring a diverse range of instruments such as the violin, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. I am a member of the Senior Collegium and the BC Fiddle Orchestra, where I continually refine my skills under the mentorship of Simon MacDonald and Daniel Lapp.
Why did you apply to perform at Spark to Flame? What piece are you performing and why did you choose it?
It is an amazing opportunity to perform with a chamber orchestra and with incredibly talented musicians in a beautiful venue. I chose Violin Concerto No.2, Op.22 (Wieniawski, Henri). It is fun and lively with a lot of space for musical ideas. The frequent contrasts and harmonic development, especially during the appassionato, require the performer to be very musical and expressive. It also has lots of technical challenges, such as extended up-bow staccato phrases.
What are your aspirations in music?
My goal is to continue to explore and grow as a musician and to help connect people heart to heart through music.
2024 Spark to Flame Student Showcase
The annual Spark to Flame program is presented through the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music and supports the development of young emerging professional artists.
Open to all students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, soloists are selected through audition, and then offered the opportunity to be mentored by various Conservatory faculty over the weeks leading up to the concert, including rehearsals with orchestra.
The concert is a magical evening, and this year’s performance on Saturday February 24, 2024, will feature seven very talented student soloists chosen this year to be accompanied by fellow student peers who are joined by faculty artists and other professional musicians.
Supported by the Henwood Family Fund and BC Gaming.
Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.
Capacity is limited for this concert, please order your free ticket in advance for entry.
Entrance for this concert is at 900 Johnson Street, and the balcony will be closed.
