Sarah Francis

Sarah Francis is a distinguished British oboist celebrated for her refined chamber music performances. Specializing in 20th-century composers, she has premiered notable British works, including Gordon Crosse's "Ariadne" and Herbert Howells's "Oboe Sonata," and introduced several contemporary pieces to British audiences. Her repertoire spans Baroque composers like Telemann and lesser-known early-19th-century compositions. Francis's illustrious career includes serving as the principal oboist of the BBC Welsh Orchestra and directing the London Harpsichord Ensemble since 1981. She is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Music, where she has also taught as a professor of oboe. Her mentors include renowned oboists Terence MacDonagh and Pierre Pierlot, and she has been a pivotal figure in the British Double Reed Society.