Biography

Charles Francis is a young organist with a growing reputation across the UK. His playing has earned him various accolades, including First Prizes in both the IAO/RCO Organ Playing Competition (2022), the Dame Gillian Weir Messiaen Competition (2019) as well as being awarded the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians (2022). Recent engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and St John’s, Smith Square in London as well as St John’s College, Cambridge, Colchester Town Hall and numerous cathedrals including Llandaff and Worcester.

Charles undertook undergraduate studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where his organ tutors included Daniel Moult and Nicholas Wearne as well as regular opportunities to study with Prof. Martin Schmeding (Visiting Professor). Charles is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists (FRCO) and works as Assistant Director of Music at St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton where recently his playing was broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Before this, Charles spent two years as Organ Scholar at St Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham.

From September 2023, Charles will continue his organ studies on a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York in the class of Prof. Nathan Laube.

Page Updated: July 2023

Musicians’ Company Award: Silver Medal – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire 2022

Photo Credit: Sophie Cheng