This notice appeared in the Fife Free Press in October 1875:
‘Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society. This newly formed Society met on Tuesday evening for the first time mustering nearly 30 members. Under the conductorship of such a distinguished musician as Mr Deas, the best results may be anticipated.’
KIRKCALDY ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY can trace its history from 1875 under a variety of titles. The town has seen the existence of several amateur orchestras in that time in addition to similar groups in Cupar, Dunfermline and Burntisland, KOS being the only survivor. Despite the name, it serves the whole of Fife being the only community orchestra in the Kingdom and also draws members from other areas. In its history, almost all performances have been given in Fife. In 1989, the Orchestra performed in Dunblane Cathedral. A policy change for season 2013/14 saw a move to travel afar with a successful March 2014 performance in Cupar. This trend continued with the March 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 performances in Dunfermline and a visit to The Waid Academy, Anstruther, in March 2019. As part of the 2022/2023 season and work with its acclaimed and prize-winning Schools’ Composition Project, KOS performed in Kirkcaldy High School in March 2023.
KOS has seen success in the Making Music (National Federation of Music Societies) awards: in the 2020 diet being the winner of the Best project across the UK with a focus on new music and runner-up in the Best creator for leisure-time music group – John Gourlay.
For the 2024 award, John Gourlay’s composition ‘The Baptism of Adam Smith’ was shortlisted for the year’s Best creator for leisure-time music group. The work was commissioned by the Trustees of the Old Kirk and Fife Council and first performed by KOS in October 2023.
KOS is delighted to announce that John was declared joint winner of the prize at the Awards ceremony on 18th September.
The Orchestra has seen a steady rise in popularity with players, and boasts a membership in excess of 60. It is heartening to note the return to playing of many younger people whose instrumental careers and playing commenced in a school/local authority system.
KOS is a vibrant organisation with a key part to play in the cultural and community life of Fife and Scotland.
KOS's activities do not focus entirely on weekly rehearsals and termly concerts: commissioning new music, supporting Fife Festival of Music, encouraging music making generally in the area, holding activities for young musicians - these are some of the orchestra's extra features.
Since season 2014/2015, KOS has undertaken supportive and inspirational Composition Projects* across several Fife secondary schools. These have been led by KOS member and composer John Gourlay. Following a period of intensive work in schools, each year brought forward a fascinating array of student compositions brought to life by KOS members at public concerts.
Most recently, the project extended in an exciting and novel way to take place within HMP Glenochil where some very talented musical inmates work with John and produced some stunning work again performed by KOS members. The restricted performance took place within the prison, of course, but with a couple of pieces making it onto the programme for the KOS Baroque meets Contemporary ‘Extra’ concert in May 2024.
The summer term provides different opportunities for KOS members and others including an ‘Extra’ concert featuring contemporary music and an Open Rehearsal to encourage new players to express an interest.
‘Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society. This newly formed Society met on Tuesday evening for the first time mustering nearly 30 members. Under the conductorship of such a distinguished musician as Mr Deas, the best results may be anticipated.’
KIRKCALDY ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY can trace its history from 1875 under a variety of titles. The town has seen the existence of several amateur orchestras in that time in addition to similar groups in Cupar, Dunfermline and Burntisland, KOS being the only survivor. Despite the name, it serves the whole of Fife being the only community orchestra in the Kingdom and also draws members from other areas. In its history, almost all performances have been given in Fife. In 1989, the Orchestra performed in Dunblane Cathedral. A policy change for season 2013/14 saw a move to travel afar with a successful March 2014 performance in Cupar. This trend continued with the March 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 performances in Dunfermline and a visit to The Waid Academy, Anstruther, in March 2019. As part of the 2022/2023 season and work with its acclaimed and prize-winning Schools’ Composition Project, KOS performed in Kirkcaldy High School in March 2023.
KOS has seen success in the Making Music (National Federation of Music Societies) awards: in the 2020 diet being the winner of the Best project across the UK with a focus on new music and runner-up in the Best creator for leisure-time music group – John Gourlay.
For the 2024 award, John Gourlay’s composition ‘The Baptism of Adam Smith’ was shortlisted for the year’s Best creator for leisure-time music group. The work was commissioned by the Trustees of the Old Kirk and Fife Council and first performed by KOS in October 2023.
KOS is delighted to announce that John was declared joint winner of the prize at the Awards ceremony on 18th September.
The Orchestra has seen a steady rise in popularity with players, and boasts a membership in excess of 60. It is heartening to note the return to playing of many younger people whose instrumental careers and playing commenced in a school/local authority system.
KOS is a vibrant organisation with a key part to play in the cultural and community life of Fife and Scotland.
KOS's activities do not focus entirely on weekly rehearsals and termly concerts: commissioning new music, supporting Fife Festival of Music, encouraging music making generally in the area, holding activities for young musicians - these are some of the orchestra's extra features.
Since season 2014/2015, KOS has undertaken supportive and inspirational Composition Projects* across several Fife secondary schools. These have been led by KOS member and composer John Gourlay. Following a period of intensive work in schools, each year brought forward a fascinating array of student compositions brought to life by KOS members at public concerts.
Most recently, the project extended in an exciting and novel way to take place within HMP Glenochil where some very talented musical inmates work with John and produced some stunning work again performed by KOS members. The restricted performance took place within the prison, of course, but with a couple of pieces making it onto the programme for the KOS Baroque meets Contemporary ‘Extra’ concert in May 2024.
The summer term provides different opportunities for KOS members and others including an ‘Extra’ concert featuring contemporary music and an Open Rehearsal to encourage new players to express an interest.
