The first 35 years of the European Union Youth Orchestra will be celebrated in an exhibition of photographs opening in London tomorrow (Wednesday July 6).

Founded in 1976 as the European Community Youth Orchestra, the idea was to create 'an ensemble that would represent the European ideal of a community working together to achieve peace and social understanding'. The founding music director was Claudio Abbado and its first president was Sir Edward Heath. Abbado was succeeded in 1994 by Sir Bernard Haitink, and he was succeeded in 2000 by the present music director, Vladimir Ashkenazy. 

Up to 140 players drawn from all 27 countries of the EU are chosen each year through auditions of around 4000 musicians aged between 14 and 24. The orchestra continues to act as a cultural ambassador for the European Union around the world.

These images capture the life and music-making of the EUYO through its first 35 years - click on the first image to launch the gallery. (Photo credits are in brackets.)

The exhibition takes place from July 6-15 at 12 Star Gallery, Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU.  020 7973 1992. The Gallery is open to the public Mon–Fri from 10am to 6pm. Entrance is free.