Michael Francis may be the new music director of the Florida Orchestra -- the fourth in its 48 seasons -- but he is no stranger to these musicians.
He's been a guest conductor since 2012.
"As soon as we met on our very first rehearsal, the relationship just worked," said Francis.
Francis is kicking off the new season with what he describes as one of the more difficult arrangements: Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto Number 3.
"Rachmaninoff is known as the Mount Everest of the piano concerto. However, in Valentina, we have the perfect mountaineer," said Francis.
Valentina is pianist Valentina Lisitsa.
She and Francis have performed this concerto together many times, so they are at ease with this ambitious start.
"Yes, I think start with a bang," Said Francis with a smile.
The maestro says the season ahead will be a study of America as a musical institution.
"How it influences music in other countries, how American composers went abroad," he said. "Also how other composers came to America, which was a haven, particularly during the Second World War."
And under his guidance he is not only continuing the orchestra's outreach programs, he is increasing them.
"So we’ll be playing in more hospitals, more parks, more malls than ever before," said Francis.
He will be bringing the music to the people -- young and old -- of Tampa Bay.
"I think the orchestra is a real jewel in the crown here, and it's sort of my job to help polish it and make it even shinier," said Francis.