BRIEFLY : Scottish Opera pioneer dies at 68

SIR ALEXANDER Gibson, the international conductor who founded Scottish Opera, died yesterday aged 68. His agent, Ms Diana Rix, said he suffered a heart attack on Friday in London.

Sir Alexander was born in Motherwell and lived in Glasgow. He was music director of Scottish Opera from its founding in 1962 until 1987 when he was given the honorary title of Conductor Laureate. He was also music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for 25 years from 1959 to 1984 and principal guest conductor with the Houston Symphony Orchestra from 1981 to 1983.

Miss Rix said: "He was just a wonderful person. He made wonderful music."