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Dr. Ronald Francois
Violin and Chamber Music, Head of String Division
(970) 491-3160 | ron.francois@colostate.edu
Ron Francois' performances as a soloist, recitalist and chamber musician has consistently won the acclaim of notable musicians. "...A fantastic violinist...a big talent" said Abram Shtern concertmaster of the Kiev state Opera and professor at the Kiev Conservatory. Others proclaim Francois' playing as "...extremely musical...Francois plays with great sensitivity and warmth" said Concert violinist Daniel Heifetz"...A wonderful musician...sensitive ensemble player and a brilliant violinist" said Michael Tree from the Guarneri String Quartet.
A recipient of the Quebec Arts Council Grant, Francois began his career under the tutelage of concert violinist Daniel Heifetz. Francois concertized with Heifetz as soloist aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 and as a member of his "Classical Band". Consequently, Francois has performed several major solo works with orchestras in Canada and throughout the United States.
As a Chamber musician Ron Francois' experience is far reaching. As a former member of the internationally acclaimed chamber Ensemble” I Musici” de Montreal, Francois toured extensively and recorded two CD's with this ensemble on the Naxos Label.
For three years, Francois served as the violinist for the beloved Mendelssohn Trio based in Colorado. He has also collaborated with musicians from the world's great orchestras including Boris Garlitsky, Arkady Fomin and James Werhman in numerous chamber music concerts.
In 2008, the newly formed "Duo Francois" with pianist Silvana Santinelli, has recently completed a series of concerts in Colorado, Texas and in Xalapa, Mexico. Past performances have included appearances at the "Las Galas Festival" in Piedras Negras, Mexico; the Thursday night series in Colorado Springs and a concert at Old Dominion University in Virginia Beach. Upcoming "Duo Francois" engagements include a concert tour of the state of Veracruz, Mexico as part of the 2009 "Junio Musical" the 'Musical June' Festival. They also hold an invitation to perform in recital at the Music Festival in Valle de Bravo, Mexico in October 2008.
In addition to his performance activities, Ron Francois serves as Head of the String Division at Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colorado where he has been on the faculty since 2002.