Stefan was born in The Netherlands in 1972, where he studied piano and conducting at the Utrecht Conservatoire with Alan Weiss. During that time Stefan was also conductor of the Utrecht Chamber Orchestra.
After receiving his concert-recital degree for piano in 1995 he continued his conducting studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Christopher Seaman. He was awarded the Ricordi Conducting prize there in 1996.
At present Stefan combines the positions of musical director with Bristol Concert Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, Brent Opera, London, The Aries Ensemble for 20th Century Music and different orchestras in Europe. As a pianist Stefan plays chamber music recitals in the UK, Holland and Austria.