National award for Fife orchestra as it celebrates its 150th anniversary

Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society (KOS), was among the winners at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards’ held in London last week.

The group won the inspiration category - it was the only Scottish group ,and only one of four in the UK, to be shortlisted for the honour which recognises the achievements of non-professional groups of musicians around the country.

The awards are an annual celebration of classical music talent, from individual composers and musicians to groups, initiatives and lifetime champions of music-making in the UK.

The orchestra’s win followed many weeks of vote campaigning from members, fellow music-making groups throughout Scotland, as well as recognition from local MPs and MSPs.

Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society played its first season in 1875, then with just 30 members, growing to more than 70 members in its 150-year history.

It serves the whole of Fife as the only community orchestra in the Kingdom, and draws players from as far afield as Glasgow and Perthshire. The orchestra performs three main concerts every year, along with an extra concert in May, and a performance at the annual Fife Festival of Music.

It has won multiple awards for its work within the Fife community, including composition projects with local schools, as well as for individual compositions written by Scottish composer and KOS member, John Gourlay.

This year also sees Graeme Wilson, musical director, mark his 50th with the baton, as well as managing its musical programme.

He said: “To win this award is to win for all music making groups in the country, and to recognise the inspirational work to provide support for and build confidence in individual musicians through the act of coming together in music.

“Hard to beat as an aim, and for very many, just as important as anything the doctor might prescribe. From KOS, thank you to all who voted, and all who support music.”