The National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain celebrate 35 years
It's an impressive 35 years since the National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain were founded by violinist Vivienne Price. Her dream has seen the creation of five age-banded orchestras - all of whom are coming together on 31 August for a special anniversary concert. Take a look at a few of our favourite archive photos through the years.
-
1. Inaugural concert poster
A momentous day for young musicians: the NCO's first concert performance on 25 March 1978.
-
2. Vivienne Price, NCO founder
The inspirational founder of the National Children's Orchestra, Vivienne Price. There were so many applications after just one year that the Training Orchestra was formed for those who hadn't got a place in the Main Orchestra.
-
3. Daniel Harding in the NCO
The National Children's Orchestras boast many famous alumni, including conductor Daniel Harding. Here he is back when he was a young trumpeter in the ranks.
-
4. The Princess of Wales visits the NCO
Diana visited the National Children's Orchestras at St David's Hall in Cardiff back in 1986.
-
5. Princess Margaret and the NCO
Princess Margaret visited the orchestra in York Minster in 1992.
-
-
6. Vivienne Price
Vivienne received an MBE for her work with the orchestra in 1997, and continues to be heavily involved in the orchestras' musical life. Photo: Eric Palmer
-
7. The NCO in rehearsal
Rehearsing for a concert back in 2006 - now some of the members pictured will be in their 20s!
-
8. The NCO in China
In 2006, the young performers were invited to play in China at the Beijing International Music Festival.
-
9. Celebrating 30 years of the NCO
The National Children's Orchestras mark their 30th birthday in 2008 with a spectacular gala concert at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, bringing together 500 members past and present.
-
10. NCO tour Italy
Making music together made all the more fun by the orchestras' international tours. Here, the Main Orchestra are pictured in Italy during their 2008 tour.
-
-
11. Nicola Benedetti performs with the NCO
NCO alumna Nicola Benedetti rejoined members of the Main Orchestra for a special concert in 2011.
-
12. Olympic fever at the NCO
Celebrating the sporting successes of London 2012, members of the National Children's Orchestras swap their instruments for sporting apparatus at a residential course.
-
13. NCO perform at the Jubilee
Performing at Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster during the Diamond Jubilee Lunch on June 5 2012 in London.
-
14. National Children's Orchestras
A glimpse of what the Main Orchestra looks like today, 35 years since its humble beginnings.
