After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria in 2018, Francesca received her BMus (Hons) at Stellenbosch University in 2019 in double bass performance, and MMus (cum laude) in 2022, specializing in Musicians Health.
Francesca’s primary musical passion is in orchestral playing, and she is a regular ad hoc for the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as a freelance double bassist working often with the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, UCT Symphony Orchestra, Stellenbosch University (SU) Symphony Orchestra and Wind Band, and the Cape Town Pops Orchestra. Francesca’s love for the orchestra was founded in youth and community orchestras such as the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) Symphony Orchestra (principal 2019 and 2023), Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, Rand Symphony Orchestra, South African National Youth Orchestra, and Cape Town Pops Orchestra. Throughout her career, Francesca has received masterclasses Jeff Bradetich, Uxia Martinez Botana, Nick Scales, Jessica Gilliam-Valls and Gudrun Raschen.
Francesca is active as a double bass teacher at many schools and music centres throughout Cape Town, including Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Beau Soleil Music School, Bishops Diocesan College, and Reddam House Constantia. Her teaching philosophy includes teaching students to sight-read and understand music from a young age, teaching correct technique from the very beginning, and encouraging students to join ensembles early on in their careers.
Francesca is also passionate about assisting musicians through Arts Administration, and was recently appointed as the Logistics Manager of the SICMF, and co-ordinator of the SU National Ensemble Competition. She has also worked as a freelance stage manager for Starlight Classics 2024, and other smaller concerts and productions.
