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← London Oriana Choir Limited

2024-08-31-accounts

London Oriana Choir Limited (a company limited by guarantee)

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

Company Number 2848714 Charity Number 1038120

London Oriana Choir Limited (a company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Statement of Financial Activities.............................................................................................. 3 Balance Sheet as at 31/08/24..................................................................................................4 Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2024................. 5 1. Accounting Policies........................................................................................................ 5 2. Sundry Debtors.............................................................................................................. 5 3. Sundry Creditors............................................................................................................ 5 Independent Examiners Report to the Directors of London Oriana Choir Ltd..........................6 Directors and Trustees Report................................................................................................. 7 Introduction.........................................................................................................................8 Legal and administrative information..................................................................................8 Objectives...........................................................................................................................9 Review of the year’s activities............................................................................................ 9 Financial review................................................................................................................13 Future plans..................................................................................................................... 13

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London Oriana Choir Limited (a company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Financial Activities

2024 2023
£ £
Incoming Resources
Incoming Resources
Voluntary Income
Voluntary Income
Subscriptions		 24,417 22,241
Donations 12,417 0
Covenant Income 8,156 5,421
Activities Generating Funds
Activities Generating Funds
Concert Income		 39,830 26,888
Performance Fees 4,487 3,952
Sales of Music and CDs 10,265 7,728
Tour Income 20,189 20,028
Total Incoming Resources 119,761 86,258
Resources Expended
Resources Expended
Costs of generating voluntary income
Concert expenditure 53,745 26,732
Cost of music and CDs 10,325 6,752
Tour costs 20,322 19,674
Charitable activities
Rehearsal fees and hall hire 24,410 22,481
Audition and Scholars 1,546 2,610
Professional subscriptions 392 440
Professional subscriptions
Five15Project		 - -
Governance costs
Administration 4,350 812
Total resources expended 115,090 79,501
Movement in total funds for the year 4,671 6,757
Reconciliation of funds
Funds broughtforward 25,039 **18,282 **
Funds carried forward 29,710 25,039

The notes on pages 5 form part of these financial statements

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London Oriana Choir Limited (a company limited by guarantee)

Balance Sheet as at 31/08/24

Balance Sheet as at 31/08/24
31/08/2024 31/08/2023
£ £
Current Assets
Cash at bank 32,928 32,928 31,157
Sundry debtors 3,936 16,639
Total Assets 36,864 47,796
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Sundry creditors 7,154 22,758
Total Creditors 7,154 22,758
Net Current Assets 29,710 25,039
Unrestricted Reserves 29,710 25,039

The directors consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 (‘The Act’) and members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of its financial year, and of its income and expenditure for the year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 of the Act and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements so far as applicable to the company.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

These financial statements were approved by the board on 7th February 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Chris Birkle

The notes on page 5 form part of these financial statements.

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London Oriana Choir Limited (a company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective 2008). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ published in March 2005, applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006

Company Status

The company is a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.

Revenue and Expenditure Recognition

Revenue and expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year it becomes receivable or payable.

Fund Accounting

Funds are unrestricted and comprise accumulated surpluses and deficits on general funds. They are available for use at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of the general charitable objectives.

2. Sundry Debtors

2024 2023
£ £
Covenanted income accrued 125 8,096
Other debtors and prepayments 3,811 8,543
Total debtors 3,936 16,639
3. Sundry Creditors
2024 2023
£ £
Members guarantees 239 239
Other creditors and accruals 6,915 22,519
Total creditors 7,154 22,758

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Independent Examiners Report to the Directors of London Oriana Choir Ltd Year ended 31 August 2024

I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024, which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of directors and examiners

The directors (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The directors consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view. And the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Jenny Howard FCCA

4, The Maltings, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0DH

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London Oriana Choir Ltd

Directors and Trustees Report Year ending 31 August 2024

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LONDON ORIANA CHOIR LIMITED

DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2024

Introduction

This report covers the financial year 1 September 2023 - 31 August 2024. London Oriana Choir Ltd was established in 1993 to conduct the affairs of the London Oriana Choir. The company is limited by guarantee and is a registered charity.

The London Oriana Choir was founded in November 1973 by Leon Lovett. In July 2013 the Choir appointed its third Musical Director, Dominic Ellis-Peckham, following seventeen successful years under the leadership of David Drummond.

The Choir is recognised as one of Britain's leading mixed amateur choirs, known for its high standards, diverse repertoire, and the vibrant energy of its performances. The Choir promotes concerts at major central London venues such as St James’s Piccadilly, makes regular tours in the UK and abroad, and is often invited to perform at other promoters' events.

Legal and administrative information

London Oriana Choir Limited Registered in England & Wales No. 2848714 Registered Charity No. 1038120

Registered Office: 52 Kingswood Road, London SW19 3NE

Main address:

Postal: Colin Poole, Company Secretary, 52 Kingswood Road, London SW19 3NE Email: cosec@londonoriana.com

Bankers: CAF Bank

Independent Examiner: Jenny Howard FCCA 4 The Maltings, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0DH

Website: www.londonoriana.com

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All members of the Board of Directors are Trustees for the purposes of charity law. Those serving on the Board during 2023/2024 were:

The Directors and Trustees at the date of approval of this report were Colin Poole, Lizann Peppard, Lucy Nixon, Chris Birkle and Rebecca Kent.

The Choir engages the services of a Musical Director (Dominic Ellis-Peckham), Associate Conductor (Nicholas Chalmers) and an accompanist (David Smith) for its regular rehearsals.

The Choir’s Patron is composer Cecilia McDowall.

Objectives

The objects of the company, as set out in the Articles of Association, are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education of the public in the fields of choral music, church music, opera and other classical works and musical and vocal compositions of all kinds.

Review of the year’s activities

In planning the Choir’s activities the Directors and Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Choir seeks to benefit members of the public through advancing musical education. It delivers such benefits through:

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In its 50th season, under Dominic Ellis-Peckham’s direction, the Choir rehearsed most weeks from September to early July and promoted eight of its own concerts and a ‘Come and Sing’ event for alumni and current members. Choir membership remained at around 120 members. As part of its commitment to support aspiring young singers, the Choir continued its scholarship programme for singers aged 18-25, this year - thanks to generous sponsorship - providing for the five successful candidates funded membership for the year as well as a music subsidy, complimentary singing lessons and workshops with the Musical Director.

Choir members were able to have individual singing tuition with a new professional teacher, Tabitha Reynolds.

The highlights of a packed 50th anniversary season programme included:

We were also delighted to be invited to perform again at Waterstones’ flagship Piccadilly store’s Christmas Event, and in Wildfaery’s promotion of Final Fantasy XIV at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith. In addition we provided backing singers for a recording session with alternative hard rock band Esoterica.

The Choir has for many years held retiring collections at some of its concerts for charities nominated by its members. This season the Choir chose to collect for Power of Music Fund: Music for Dementia at all its London concerts, raising over £2,250 in total.

Full details of the 2023/24 50th Anniversary Season are as follows:

23 September St John’s Church Waterloo, London

COME AND SING MOZART CORONATION MASS

Restricted to current members and alumni in celebration of the choir’s 50th Anniversary Year

Piano - Fran Hills The Creation Quartet

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14 October St John the Evangelist, Shirley, Croydon RECORDING SESSION - ESOTERICA Backing singers By invitation of Esoterica 23 October Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London FINAL FANTASY XIV BBC Concert Orchestra Conductor: Alexandra Cravero By invitation of Wildfaery 4 November St Paul’s Covent Garden, London CHORAL ICONS Concert featuring music by Benjamin Britten, Cecilia McDowall, Sir John Tavener, Sir James MacMillan, Felix Mendelssohn, Dobrinka Tabakova, Eriks Esenvalds and others 11 November Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Parish Church 12 November St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, Liverpool

CHORAL ICONS

Concerts featuring music by Benjamin Britten, Cecilia McDowall, Sir John Tavener, Sir James MacMillan, Felix Mendelssohn, Dobrinka Tabakova, Eriks Esenvalds and others

Liverpool Parish Church: special guests Woolton Air Cadets; Collection in aid of Micah Liverpool

7 December Waterstones, Piccadilly, London

Carol singing at Waterstones’ Christmas Event.

By invitation of Waterstones Piccadilly

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9 December St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London 15 December CANDLELIGHT CAROLS A Christmas carol concert featuring music by Erik Esenvalds, Mack Willberg, Bob Chilcott, Mykola Leontvich, Toby Young, Keneth Leighton, Tara Mack, Dobrinka Tabakova,Sally Beamish as well as two arrangements by the choir’s two previous musical directors Leon Lovett and David Drummond. Joined by Choir of St George's School, Harpenden on 15th December

Organist - Ben Comeau

15 March 2024 St John’s Smith Square, London 50 YEARS OF SONG GALA CONCERT

Music by Tomas Luis de Victoria, Giovanni Gabriele, Antonio Lotti, Thomas Tallis, Anton Bruckner, Johannes Brahms, Richard Allain, Eric Whitacre, Cecilia McDowall (world premiere of ‘Here Hum the Bees’), Anna Disley Simpson, Michael Tippett, Jessica Curry, Tara Mack and Sydney Guillaume. The choir also supported Beth Nielsen Chapman in two pieces - Color of Roses and Prayers of an Atheist Special guest: Beth Nielsen Chapman Piano - David Smith Guest conductor for Color of Roses - former Musical Director David Drummond

Launch of the Choir’s new album ‘Her Voice’.

27 April St Nicholas’ Church, Harwich 50 YEARS OF SONG

Music by Tomas Luis de Victoria, William Byrd, Antonio Lotti, Eric Whitacre, Cecilia McDowall, Anna Disley Simpson, Michael Tippett, Jessica Curry, Tara Mack and Sydney Guillaume.

Special guests: Harwich Sing Tendring Voices, directed by Clare Leach

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----- Start of picture text -----
||| |---|---| |Collection in aid of collection in aid of Golden Oldies| |dementia-friendly sing a longs| |18 May|Our Most Holy Redeemer, Exmouth Market, London| |LIMITLESS| |A programme devoted to the limitless possibilities| |of choral ensembles. A rousing programme of music from India,| |Brazil, France, South Africa and other countries, including works by| |Byrd, Victoria, MacMillan, Edenroth, Jansson, and Paranjoti.| |24 May|Eglise St Philippe du Roule, Paris| |25 May|Eglise Saint Louis en L’ile, Paris| |26 May|Eglise St Sulpice and Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris| |LIMITLESS| |Concerts drawing on the repertoire of the choir’s 18 May concert| |22 June|Wathen Hall, St Paul’s School, Barnes, London| |WORKSHOP WITH THE GESUALDO SIX| |Workshop for choir members and alumni with The Gesualdo Six| |4 July|Union Chapel, London| |TO THE WATERS AND THE WILD| |Joined by The Gesualdo 6, the concert included a wide variety of| |music including, as its centerpiece The Stolen Child by Eric Whitacre.|

----- End of picture text -----

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Financial review

Independently examined accounts for the year are attached. These comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s governing document and the requirements of the Charities Commission SORP. In summary, in the year ended 31.8.24 the company made a surplus of £4,671 (2022/23 surplus of £6,757), and had a balance at the end of the year of £29,710. This overall result comprises a deficit of £13,915 (2022/23 surplus of £155) on Choir-promoted concert activities and a surplus of £18,586 (2022/23 surplus of £6,602) on other activities which included donations towards our concerts in our 50th gala year. Attributing concert specific donations to their respective concerts shows a deficit of £2,214 for concerts and a surplus of £6,885 on other activities.

The Directors and Trustees’ policy on reserves is to maintain a level of funds sufficient to finance future planned activities with a prudent allowance for unexpected expenses and income shortfalls. The Choir’s activities are normally planned for one academic year in advance.

The Directors and Trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular income shortfalls from promoted concerts, and systems have been established to manage those risks.

Future plans

The Choir’s exciting plans for its 51st season in 2024/5 include a performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor with the Meridian Sinfonia and guest soloists, and concluding the season with a folk music collaboration with guest musicians and singers at Cecil Sharp House in July 2025.

In addition the Choir will promote four other concerts in London including two Christmas concerts at St James’ Church Piccadilly, and tour to Oxford and Padua/Venice.

Approved by the Trustees and Board on 24 February 2025 and signed on their behalf

Chris Birkle Director

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