Conductor Ray Farr has stepped into the shoes of Sunderland's music man Rupert Hanson, who lost his brave battle with cancer earlier this year.

Ray, who was described by Radio 2 music presenter Frank Renton as "Ray of the magic pen", will now lead the orchestra, which was launched in 1999.

Rupert Hanson was the orchestra's musical director and principal conductor.

Ray, 61, of Durham, has led a distinguished career that has taken him across the globe.

A career highlight was conducting the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, who appeared in the 1996 British film Brassed Off, starring Ewan McGregor and Pete Postlethwaite.

One of Ray's first arrangements was the Star Wars theme by John Williams.

He said: "I am delighted to be appointed musical director and principal conductor to Sunderland Symphony Orchestra.

"It is an honour to continue Rupert's legacy and I look forward to being part of new and exciting projects."

Ray's love of music started at the age of six by learning to play the cornet. He went on to perform with the Hereford Salvation Army Band before joining the BBC Radio Orchestra in London and conducting with the National Youth Bands of England and Switzerland, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and Stavanger Symphony Orchestra among others.

His arrangement of Star Wars soon led to a string of successful and popular arrangements.

Now bands and orchestras regularly play his pieces, which range in style from Stravinsky's Firebird to Zappa's Dog Breath Variations.

In 2003, Ray moved to Durham to take up the role of conductor in residence at Durham University.

In 2004, he was crowned conductor of the year by 4barsrest.com and was invited to the Sage Gateshead to direct an annual series of brass concerts.

Ray will make his debut with the SSO at a Christmas carol concert on December 19 at Sunderland Minster at 2pm.

For tickets or more details, phone chairman Neil Turnbull on 07734 592 979.