Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society is one of four shortlistees for the 2026 RPS Inspiration Award. Voting for the 2026 RPS Inspiration Award is now closed: voting was open between 11am on Friday 12 December 2025 and 11am on Monday 2 February 2026. We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to cast a vote this year, in record numbers, and we look forward to celebrating all the shortlistees and announcing the winner at the RPS Awards on Thursday 12 March.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025, Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society (KOS) has been inspiring musicians and making music in Fife since 1875. The 70-strong community orchestra is a beacon for musicians of all stages and ages playing alongside each other, conducted by Music Director Graeme Wilson, in his 49th season. Players talk of KOS as their ‘happy place’, with members coming from as far as Glasgow and Perthshire. It’s a non-auditioned orchestra, with subsidised memberships for school-age players and those on reduced incomes. KOS players come with a range of experience and all aspire to excellence. As an integral part of the community, KOS supports local charities during the festive season, collaborates with other local music groups, and performs each year in the Fife Festival of Music.
For the last ten years, KOS has played a valuable role in music-making in the community, taking its Composition Projects into Fife secondary schools. In this last year, this ambitious venture was extended to HM Prison Glenochil in conjunction with Fife College. Other notable highlights include performances of music by local composer and KOS member John Gourlay, and a concert welcoming back soloist Chloe Randall: a former KOS cellist who went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna.
‘I’ve been a proud member of Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society for over 40 years. It’s given me connections with people of all ages, from various walks of life, all of whom share a love of making music together. I cherish the Society’s reputation for community outreach and working with schools. Having just celebrated our 150th anniversary, it’s heartening to welcome new, younger members, hopefully securing another 150 years, and more!’
Margot, violin
‘Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society has been an important part of my life for the past 14 years, since my early teens. It’s supported my musical growth and that of my family, giving us valuable opportunities to perform and develop as musicians. It’s introduced me to a wide range of people I might never have met otherwise. We’re fortunate to have an award- winning composer among us who writes pieces celebrating individual players, giving them the chance to perform new and original works.’
Rosie, oboe
The RPS Inspiration Award is generously supported by Stainer & Bell.
