[2] His first public performance as conductor of a major orchestra occurred in January 2007 when he deputised for Valery Gergiev.
In Europe, Francis became chief conductor and artistic adviser to the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra in 2012, and held the post through 2016.
[4] In December 2018, the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz announced the appointment of Francis as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2019-2020 season, with an initial contract of 5 years.
[1][5] In March 2023, the orchestra announced a five-year extension of Francis' contract as chief conductor with the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz.
[4] In February 2024, it was announced that Francis received an additional contract extension and would remain with The Florida Orchestra through at least the 2029-2030 season.