February 11, 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alexander Gibson, and to honour his life, legacy and continued impact through the companies he shaped and led during his lifetime, a special event is taking place at the Scottish Parliament, organised by us, Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).
Dubbed ‘the maestro frae Motherwell’, Sir Alexander Gibson became the first Scot and longest-serving Principal Conductor and Music Director of the then Scottish National Orchestra. A few years into this role, Sir Alexander founded Scottish Opera, Scotland’s national opera company and largest performing arts organisation. A former student of RCS (then the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama), the Alexander Gibson Opera School in Glasgow was established in his memory, along with a fellowship for choral conductors.
The three organisations are holding a centenary celebration at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on February 25, to showcase his achievements and highlight the work of the companies in continuing to bring world-class opera and music to a diverse range of audiences in communities the length and breadth of Scotland. It is hosted by Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, and Michelle Thomson MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Music.
Alex Reedijk, our General Director said: ‘We are looking forward to celebrating Sir Alexander’s life with his family, special guests, and our friends from the RSNO and RCS. He founded Scottish Opera ‘to lay the treasures of opera at the feet of the people of Scotland’ and was a tireless champion of Scottish music and musicians. The lasting impact of Sir Alex’s vision and leadership on Scottish culture cannot be overstated. The world premiere of our production of Dai Fujikura’s The Great Wave on February 12, at Theatre Royal Glasgow will be dedicated to Sir Alexander to mark his birthday.’
Alistair Mackie, RSNO Chief Executive said: ‘Growing up as a young musician in Scotland, I was always aware of what a huge musical presence Sir Alexander Gibson was, especially in attracting world-class artists to Scotland. I was lucky enough to see the likes of Jessye Norman, Yo-Yo Ma and Vladimir Ashkenazy perform in Glasgow thanks to Sir Alexander during his impressive 25-year tenure as Principal Conductor of the Scottish National Orchestra. Our cultural landscape would not be what it is today without him, and it feels only right that we are celebrating his 100th birthday with our good friends at Scottish Opera and RCS. On February 20 and 21, the RSNO will mark the centenary with a programme of Strauss and Bruckner in memory of Sir Alexander and his late wife Lady Veronica.’
Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: ‘As we mark the centenary of the birth of Sir Alexander Gibson, we celebrate not only one of the most influential figures in music in Scotland, but a musician whose musical journey began here at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
‘Sir Alexander’s legacy lives on in many ways including through the Opera School named after him at RCS, where generations of singers, conductors and creative artists have developed their craft, as well as through our strong partnerships with Scottish Opera and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, both of which give students exceptional opportunities to learn and work alongside professionals in the national performing companies.
‘This centenary year and the commemorations to recognise it, create special moments for us to honour and celebrate Sir Alexander Gibson and the legacy of his wonderful contribution to music in Scotland.’
The Gibson family said: ‘We are proud of the amazing legacy our father has left behind; that his creativity and vision mean not only that the organisations he was involved with, led and founded, continue to flourish, but also that they are now creating livelihoods for hundreds of people and inspiring generations of performers and music lovers in Scotland and beyond.’