A musical director is set to step down after one final show this month.

Stefan Hofkes has been conducting the Reading Symphony Orchestra for the past 26 years and will be drawing his time with the orchestra to a close at their next concert on Saturday, November 11.

The opening of the concert is said to reflect Stefan’s recent move to Spain with Bizet’s Overture and Danse Bohème from the opera Carmen.

Reading Symphony Orchestra will also be welcoming their 2023 Young Musician's Competition winner, Tara Spencer, to the stage to perform her chosen concerto with the orchestra.

The 17-year-old violinist currently leads the Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra and has played with the National Youth Orchestra since 2021.

To mark his last concert, Stefan has chosen to direct Brahms’ 2nd Symphony as his final farewell piece.

Stefan told the orchestra: “I look forward to our last concert, sad as it is.

"To celebrate our 26 years with great music and an amazing young musical star of the future will be so wonderful.”

Reading Symphony Orchestra will be playing at the Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road, on Saturday, November 11 at 4pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for students and under-18s.