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    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. NCO archive shots

      1. Inaugural concert poster

      A momentous day for young musicians: the NCO's first concert performance on 25 March 1978.

    2. NCO archive shots

      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. NCO archive shots

      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. NCO archive shots

      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. NCO archive shots

      5. Princess Margaret and the NCO

      Princess Margaret visited the orchestra in York Minster in 1992.

    6. NCO archive shots

      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. NCO archive shots

      7. The NCO in rehearsal

      Rehearsing for a concert back in 2006 - now some of the members pictured will be in their 20s!

    8. NCO archive shots

      8. The NCO in China

      In 2006, the young performers were invited to play in China at the Beijing International Music Festival.

    9. NCO archive shots

      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 archive shots

      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. National Children's Orchestra with Nicola Benedett

      11. Nicola Benedetti performs with the NCO

      NCO alumna Nicola Benedetti rejoined members of the Main Orchestra for a special concert in 2011.

    12. NCO archive shots

      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 archive shots

      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. NCO archive shots

      14. National Children's Orchestras

      A glimpse of what the Main Orchestra looks like today, 35 years since its humble beginnings.

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