Francis Diatschenko was born of Argentinean and Ukrainian heritage and was raised in the Northern Territory. He studied South American and classical guitar styles as a child which gave him the technical and theoretical skills to embrace a variety of other styles.  Over the years, Francis got involved and perfected not only popular styles, but also focused on Flamenco and the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. Francis’s formal studies in classical guitar, but also his mastering of a variety of genres lead him to perform at festivals throughout Australia such as Darwin International Guitar Festival and Adelaide Guitar Festival, but also overseas at the Bali Arts Festival.

Francis accompanies some of his tunes with vocals and sings in five languages.  He has performed as a soloist and in ensemble, with recitals in some of the worlds most revered venues which include: Mundial Festival (Netherlands), Café de la Danse, Taratata TV (France) , Queen Elizabeth Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall (New York) and many more. Francis’s repertoire includes a variety of music and styles played at a very high standard. Some example of these are: Classical – works from 1600’s to present day. Bach – Cello Suites, Mauro Guilliani – Grand Overture, Romance, Augustine Barrios – waltz 3 & 4, LeoBrouwer – Pinocio De la Danse, Villa Lobos - Preludes, Cavatina, Spanish Romance, Asturias, (as played by Segovia)- Songs from 1930’s – 1950’s.  Frank Loesser (On a Slow Boat to China!), Louie Armstrong (What a Wonderful World), Duke Ellington (Caravan), Django Reinhardt (Nuages), Jobim (the Girl from Ipanema etc) Fred Astaire (Puttin’ on the Ritz), In a Sentimental mood, Body and Soul, L-O-VE,  A Night in Tunisia, Blue Bossa…..etc – Flamenco – Bulerias, Solear, Alegrias, Fandango, Arrangements by Paco de Lucia, Pepe Habichuela, Vicente Amigo, Morano. Folk/ Popular – Some popular easy-listening tunes such as Time After Time, Isn’t she lovely, Sting tunes etc Irish Traditional, Various World Music (Russian folk etc.)