THE chorus director at the Glasgow-based Royal Scottish National Orchestra is leaving his post.

Timothy Dean, who is also head of opera at the Royal Conservatoireof Scotland, wants to concentrate on overseas projects and devote time to pursuing his performing career.

Mr Dean will leave his post with the RSNO at the end of the current season, concluding his tenure with performances of Mahler's Eighth Symphony in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Mr Dean, who became chorus director in November 2006, said: "I will miss working with the RSNO Chorus - their commitment, their sense of fun, their sound and, above all, their Glaswegian warmth and spirit."

Chief executive of the RSNO, Michael Elliott, added: "I'm grateful to Tim for all he has achieved."