Franciscus Henri facts for kids

Franciscus Henricus Antheunis, known as Franciscus Henri, is a talented musician and children's entertainer. He was born on August 7, 1947, in The Hague, The Netherlands. He holds both Dutch and Australian citizenship.

In 1970, Franciscus Henri became well-known after appearing on the TV talent show New Faces. This led to him signing a music contract with Fable Records. Since 1997, he has also performed as Mister Whiskers. This character is a traveling singer who loves children. He often performs with his dog friend, Smiggy.

About Franciscus Henri

Franciscus Henricus Antheunis Jr. was born in The Hague, The Netherlands. In 1956, his family moved to Australia. They traveled on a Dutch ship called Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. Franciscus Henri finished his schooling in Australia. He became a qualified teacher of arts and crafts for high school students. In 1969, he performed at the first Festival of Gospel Music.

Early Music Career

In 1970, Franciscus Henri gained national attention. He was a folk musician on the TV talent show New Faces. This show helped him get a recording contract with Fable Records. The head of Fable Records was a judge on New Faces.

In September 1970, Fable Records released his first song, "Mary and Me." He then recorded more songs and an album called Ding Dong Who Rang the Bell in 1972. His second album, Gabriel's Mother's Highway (1972), was a refreshing folk album. It had a slightly religious but innocent feel.

Performing and Touring

In 1972, Franciscus Henri toured with the English poet Sydney Carter. In 1973, he stopped teaching to join the Monash University Theatre company. He worked there as a set designer, actor, and musician. He was part of several theatre productions.

In 1976, he toured Australia and New Zealand. He was supporting the famous English-Irish comedian Spike Milligan. That same year, Henri started his own production company. He began putting on performances across Australia. He worked with different state arts councils.

Children's Entertainment

From 1979 to 1980, Franciscus Henri was part of the TV show Shirl's Neighbourhood. This was a children's television show. He had his own segments, appearing as himself and as his early character, Professor Henri.

Around 1982, Franciscus Henri started performing concerts for children. He also wrote and presented programs for the Victorian Christian Television Association. He appeared on a TV program filmed in London, England.

In 1997, he created a new character for children, MISTER WHISKERS. He released his first album under this new name, Hello Mister Whiskers. This album was nominated for a Best Children's Album Aria Award.

He has performed all over the world. This includes festivals like the Vancouver International Children's Festival. He has played at the Port Fairy Folk Festival seven times. As MISTER WHISKERS, he is the only performer to have played at every Warrnambool Fun 4 Kids Festival since it began in 1998. He has also performed in Singapore many times with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

From 1989 to 2002, he recorded music for ABC Music (ABC for Kids). He also designed album covers for his own and other artists' music. He wrote the popular song 'Ducks Like Rain'. The Canadian entertainer Raffi recorded a cover version of this song.

His most recent work is Nothing Fixed or Final. This album features the words and music of Sydney Carter, performed by Henri. He has presented it across Victoria and in Boston, USA. In London, UK, he performed in the Sydney Carter memorial concert in October 2007.

Franciscus Henri has received seven ARIA award nominations for his music. He is also a painter and has shown his artwork in exhibitions.

Music Albums

Here are some of Franciscus Henri's albums:

• 1972 Ding Dong Who Rang the Bell
• 1972 Gabriel's Mother's Highway
• 1975 Pigtails
• 1976 Lord of the Dance
• 1981 Sunshine Rainbows and Violins
• 1981 Children's Christmas Songs
• 1985 Fifty Golden Nursery Rhymes
• 1988 Tree House

CD Releases

Videos and DVDs

• OH NO! It's The Franciscus Henri Video (1992)
• I'm Hans Christian Andersen (1994)
• Hello MISTER WHISKERS! (1998)
• My Favourite Nursery Rhymes (2000)
• Sing a Song in Singapore

Awards and Nominations

Franciscus Henri has been recognized for his music.

APRA Music Awards

ARIA Music Awards