## **Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus 2024-2025** The season opened with a performance of Richard Blackford’s Babel in Christchurch Priory on 14[th] September, giving the BSC just one week to prepare and refresh this astonishing work. It was the first event in an Autumn schedule which featured seven programmes and nine concerts before the end of December, as can be seen in the concert list included within these papers. This number included three performances of Holst’s Planets Suite with celebrated conductor Karl Heinz Steffens. This programme opened the BSO concert series in Poole, in Bristol giving the BSC ‘s first performance in the impressively refurbished Bristol Beacon, followed by the third performance in the Guildhall in Portsmouth. Delivering a schedule like this requires an enormous commitment from singers, and the need to make family and work arrangements to facilitate their involvement. The members of the BSC taking part in some or all these concerts showed great commitment during that concert week, and the Trustees acknowledge this with appreciation. A major focus of the year has been the planned tour to Japan during the first week of September 2025. The arrangements are complex, and Trustees have been engaged in the preparations for travel, accommodation, rehearsals and finances. The core BSC group will be joined by appropriately skilled guest singers plus 10 bursary scholars funded by our Patron Steve Brosnan. The Trustees were keen to ensure the participation of all BSC members and the BSYC in this project by facilitating their participation in a pre-tour concert scheduled for July 12[th] 2025 at Lighthouse. During the year, the new BSO Principal Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, introduced himself the Chorus at a rehearsal in the Spring. He expressed great interest in scheduling choral works in his concerts and the BSC looks forward to a productive and exciting relationship with him during the 2025/6 season. ## **Partnerships** The Chorus has maintained strong partnerships throughout the year, revisiting old ones and forging new ones. Our primary partnerships are with our orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with whom we give most of our concerts, and Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts. Our role as Resident Chorus requires us to be engaging with the community and also encouraging the creation of new works. The Trustees take these responsibilities seriously and have been engaging with schools and community choirs through our Youth Chorus activities and adult singer workshops. Our joint January Big Sing has been fully subscribed for the last three years with more than 500 guest singers attending. This led to Lighthouse requesting a second Big Sing in September focussing on Classical Choral music which attracted almost 200 singers. Other well-established partnerships include the Waynflete Singers based in Winchester. In April 2025, 60 members of the BSC joined the WS performance of the Verdi Requiem with the BSO under Andrew Lumsden. The Waynflete Singers had agreed in principle to join a performance of Mahler 8 next year with Maxime Tortelier but had to withdraw because of other commitments. The Magna Sinfonia a newer partner agreed to participate in two concerts during the 2024/5 season and two more are being planned. Since the last Annual Report was produced the BSC and Salisbury Musical Society a co-commissioner collaborated on two performances of Awakening by Paul Carr & Stephen Feltham. As reported elsewhere, this was premiered at a joint concert in Lighthouse last June and repeated in Salisbury Cathedral two weeks later. The Salisbury performance was introduced by Sir Terry Waite. The BSC recorded the work just before the summer break and is due for release in early Spring 2026. A new partnership was developed during the year with the Three Choirs festival. The BSC became cocommissioner in partnership with Lighthouse with the Festival’s 2025 commission of The Black Lake. The BSC is not the lead partner and would not attempt to perform the work before the agreed period. The new work is being recorded and broadcast by the BBC at the premiere at the 2025 Three Choirs Festival. ## **Fundraising** The BSC is operating in the same community as our orchestra, which has a very effective and farreaching fundraising and sponsorship programme. This means that our own efforts to apply for funds from Arts Council sources and Grant Making Trusts are challenging as although the BSC is a separate charity, it is seen externally as the same organisation. The need for a different strategy emerged about some time ago, with the BSC focus now being on individual benefactors and donors. Our Patron Steve Brosnan has donated a considerable sum to the BSC which is facilitating the Japan tour and other priorities. During this financial year the Chorus attracted sponsorship for the Paul Carr Awakening commission, concerts and recording. Another individual has channelled his donation this year to the BSYC Malcom Burdett Fund. The Trustees are very grateful to all these individuals for their very generous support, without which we could not maintain an ambitious programme or meet our responsibilities to partners. The BSC as part of its contract with Lighthouse undertakes a concert each year to raise funds for the community and youth access work being undertaken by the Lighthouse team. In 2024 Magna Sinfonia supported our Fundraising concert for Lighthouse, at which they performed the Brahms Requiem with the BSC. The Trustees record their appreciation to the Magna Sinfonia instrumentalists and Trustees for their support at this concert. ## **Working with Young People** Our work with young people is mostly focussed on the operations of the BSYC, and our student members of the BSC. The BSYC continues to rehearse at Lighthouse on the same evening as the BSC. The Youth Chorus has experienced significant changes recently, with a new Director Mark Burstow in his second season, and a new accompanist in Bryony Middleton, in her first season. Membership has continued to grow with numbers in both the BSYC and BSCC increasing and more members making the transition from Children’s Choir to Youth Chorus. An indication of the reputation of the BSYC for providing excellent choral training to young singers is increasing with both Christchurch Vintage Brass and Bournemouth Bach Choir inviting them during the last season, to participate in concerts next season. The BSYC took part in 3 concerts in December, two were concerts where they performed with the BSC. For the third concert the BSYC was once again invited to participate in the Poole Society for Young Musicians annual Christmas Concert. They also joined the BSC and Armonico Consort in January performing excellently in the Supersize Polyphony Concert at Lighthouse. As part of our commitment to working with young people, the Trustees are currently exploring opportunities to reach more local school aged singers, with a school’s workshop and performance being investigated with other partners, including Lighthouse. The Trustees commend Mark Burstow for his excellent work with the BSYC, with his skills being evident in the way the BSYC despite the young age and inexperience of relatively new members. The Trustees express their appreciation of the support given to Mark Burstow by Bryony Middleton, an excellent addition to our professional team. The Trustees also record their enormous appreciation to Sara kemp for her work with the BSYC and the support she gives to Mark Burstow and Bryony Middleton. The Trustees encourage student membership of the BSC and facilitate the participation of student members away for most of the year at university or music college. The Trustees are very pleased to see how many students have participated where they can with two joining the recent Belshazzar Concert and, at the time of writing, at least three for the War Requiem. The Trustees are very grateful to our Patron for financially supporting ten emerging young professional singers with bursaries to ensure their participation in the extraordinary experience which will be the Japan Tour. This very much aligns with the BSC aims for working and supporting young people. ## **Governance** The Trustees met on seven occasions both in person and on Zoom. The Finance Sub Committee met twice, once in person and once by Zoom. Trustees are elected according to the Constitution. Trustees serving during this period were: Chairperson Christopher Clarke, Vice Chair John Martindale, Secretary & Chorus Manager Carolyn Date MBE, Treasurer Joan Ingarfield Membership Secretary Derek Pilling, Publicity Officer: Jill White, BSYC Choruses Manager Sara Kemp Section Leaders: Geraldine Willford, Janet Shortland, Jason Barlass, Andrew Clark. Co-opted Members Webmaster & IT Contracts Manager John Pattison The Independent assessor Tony Agnew retired during the year. The Chorus’ Charitable Objects are stated on the Charity Commission’s Website and are unchanged. The AGM was held in July 2024, and an EGM called in December 2024 under the Constitution to receive and approve the redesigned accounts. The redesigned Accounts was deemed necessary by the increase in income during the year. An Accruals Accounting system was established, although this would not be necessary in every year. The BSC Constitution requires approval of the specific Annual Accounts documentation submitted the Charity Commission as part of the BSC Annual Return which was due in January 2025. This necessitated the EGM in December, even though the information had not changed but was presented differently. The Board of Trustees continued to adopt a consistent approach to infection controls given that Corona Virus variants and other infections were still present in the community. The Flow Chart guided members on what to do if they had an infection, to avoid threats of cross infections. The Board continued its flexibility about attendance policies regarding members with additional risks for members who need to protect themselves or their families Steve Brosnan continues as BSC Patron and Richard Blackford as President. Both are actively involved in supporting the work of the Chorus and Youth Choruses and the Trustees are very grateful for their ongoing support. During the year the Trustees had, on the advice of the Chorus public Liability Insurers, reviewed the Health & Safety Policy, updated the BSC Rules underpinning the Constitution and also the Rules and advice relating to Conduct. The Audition process adjusted to conform with the advice given by the BSC Insurers on potential risks affecting Public Liability. ## **Acknowledgements** The Board of Trustees record their appreciation and thanks to our Chorus Director Gavin Carr, for his energy and commitment to the Chorus in our operations and in concert. His input has ensured ongoing improvements in the Chorus performance and sound. This is reinforced by feedback from BSO players and management in recent years. An essential part of his strategy is regular attendance for members to improve their technical development through his own knowledge and training. The Trustees value his skills and input and his generosity with his time to support our partnership and fundraising schemes. The success of the Big Sing is in some significant part due to his engagement with a large group of people of varying ability. Supported by Sam Hanson, and the efforts of BSC members on the day, this event encourages a very positive view of the BSC within the local singing community. As mentioned above Gavin Carr is supported by Sam Hanson in his fifth season as Assistant Chorus Director & Accompanist. The Trustees appreciate his unstinting contribution, exemplary playing and support for both BSC and BSYC and his flexibility when circumstances demand it. Sam is a highly effective partner to the Chorus Director as his deputy, which is an important part of BSC preparation and scheduling. The Trustees appreciate the support given to our professionals by Vice President Christopher Dowie, a highly respected and much-loved musician supporting the BSC operations in the absence of Gavin Carr or Sam Hanson. The Board of Trustees notes the enormous work with stage management issues undertaken by John Martindale. It further records its thanks to him for his diligence and efficiency, whatever the circumstances and that can be complex and without notice. John Martindale is also Lead Trustee for the BSYC working with Sara Kemp and BSYC VP Margaret Burdett, to support Mark Burstow, Bryony Middleton in their professional roles within the BSYC _._ Trustees also thank John Pattison for his ever patient and helpful management of the website as WebMaster on ICT issues and maintenance. He has had to respond to the challenges of a sudden migration to a new server by our Hosting Company. He is much involved with advising Trustees and officers in their development and use of the website. Alison Chopping has been working extremely effectively as Music Administrator during the year The Trustees acknowledge her efficiency and effectiveness in the huge improvements in BSC music co-ordination and reducing losses. Trustees take this opportunity to remind members that this is a trying and challenging task and that the past season witnessed some unnecessary and time-consuming activity on Alison Chopping’s part to recover hired stock. The Board acknowledges the huge amount of work carried out to support individual officers by other members of the Chorus - Tim Arnold - for his work on Grapevine, programme design and other publicity, Jason Barlass, Sue Braunton, Christina Smith and Joyce Hatchard for their work on our social media accounts. The Board records it enormous appreciation of the work of Jason Barlass for co-ordinating transport arrangements. The Trustees congratulate Fiona Aucott on her first season as Big Sing Operations Manager, which she has delivered with great efficiency. Many members quietly support the Chorus activities and their input is essential for the smooth operations of both the BSC and BSYC. This includes those who help with BSYC registration and chaperones, hosting, stage layout and concert management, music distribution, publicity and ad hoc fundraising. The Board of Trustees particularly appreciates the positive input, action and teamwork of the membership in the operations of the Chorus and during the season. The Board also wishes to thank Section Leaders for their work during the season. Section Leaders are a vital part of the communication system within the BSC, and their importance cannot be overstated. The Board especially notes the contribution of several individuals who are retiring from their roles after many years: Lisa Pierce as Secretary to the Benefactors. The Board also thanks Mairead Dwane for her support the Chorus Manager and Joelle Locke for her enormous assistance to the Treasurer during a very busy financial year. Both members have carried out these important roles with great efficiency and organization. They have assisted the Trustees greatly in the operations of the Chorus. The Trustees were very sad to report the death of Nigel McDonald in November 2024. Nigel had been a mainstay of the tenor section and served on the Board of Trustees as Tenor Section Leader, and also conducted a Wedding Choir, small ensemble work and the not inconsiderable task of managing operations on the day for the Big Sing. Nigel could persuade people to volunteer and could be relied upon to deliver in whatever he had offered to do. He is very much missed by the Tenor Section and the wider membership. The Trustees also thank all those who retire or resign from the Chorus at the end of the season, for their contribution to past seasons, and wish our student members every success in their university or college studies. Carolyn Date MBE Secretary & Chorus Manager Bournemouth Symphony Chorus June 2025 Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Statement of Flnanclal A¢tlvltles It Year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Restrlctod funds funds Totsl funds 2025 Totsl funds 2024 Note INCOME Donatlons Subscriptions income Subscriptions from members BSYC Patrons Contribution to PerforMan￿S Future Projects donations Members and sponsors Donations from benefactors HS Turner Memorial Fund Sandrey Dale Memorial Scholarship Fund BSYC Malcolm Burdell Memorial Fund 27,795 27,795 2,965 5,187 25,600 2,e01 4,011 2.965 5.187 2,055 5,798 2,055 5,798 253,763 6,033 255 225 747 628 3.380 626 3,380 Income from charitable activltlos Concert income Tours and workshops Recording and broadcast Hire and sale of music 27,410 12,582 18,327 2,513 27,410 12,582 18,327 2,513 37,537 12,133 2,170 5,663 Income from othèr tradlng actlvltlos Fundraising activities 436 48 12,198 Inve$tm¢nt Income Deposit account interest 6,441 6,441 630 Total Income 108,544 7,019 115.563 363.566 EXPENDITURE Cost of ralslng funds Fundraising activities 5,833 Expenditure on charitable activities Concert costs Tours and workshops Recording and broadcast Hire and purchase of music Rehearsal accommodation and professionals Overheads 29,872 8,911 16,486 1,652 34,847 2,883 29,872 8,911 16,486 1,979 38,753 2.883 64,196 8,262 327 3.9C 6,136 30,835 4,465 Total expendlture 94,651 4,233 98.884 119.727 Net Sncomel{expendlturel and net movoment In funds 243 839 Reconciliation of funds.. Total fund5 brought lO￿ard 295,961 17.091 313,052 69,213 Total fund8 carrled forward 309,854 19.877 329.731 313,052 IL Bournemouth Symphony Chorus BalanGe Sheet As at 31 March 2025 Note 2026 2024 Current ass¢ts Stocks Music & Folders Long Service Glasses CD'S 1,795 172 90 1,795 193 90 2,057 2,078 Deblors Gift Aid recoverable Prepayments 2.866 4,051 60,085 18,810 6.917 78,895 Fixed term cash deposit Cash al bank and in hand 100.000 250.089 120,000 202,448 Total current assets 359,063 403.421 Creditors.. amounts falling due wlhin one year Travel deposits held on behalf of members Accruals and deferred Income 118.0021 11.330 71,155 19,215 129,3321 190,3701 Net current assets and Net assets 329 731 313 052 Funds of the Charity Reslricled funds.. HS Turner Memorial Fund Alverna Trust Bursary Sandrey Dale Memorial Scholarship Fund BSYC Malcolm Burdett Memorial Fund BSYC 391 265 12,030 7,191 390 265 11,405 4,138 893 19,877 17,091 Unreslricled funds Earmarked fund - Future Projects General Fund 291,719 18,135 283,866 12,095 309,854 295,981 Totsl funds 329 731 313052 Slgn¢d on behalf of the trustees Signature Name Dats of approval Ihv(fs Lwc F[15 J v W)(0 oo u> ro V¢D N ra) 000000 ootsooooo ¢fj C CQ o000t￿￿)￿O ¢N r ( r£> TooTr)OthOr OOOOO¢ryWJO 0000￿)0 ooooNooo 000000 00000000 ooooooo 00000000 Lnoooooo 00000000 ttir£(io Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Note5 to the accounts Yèir éndod 31 Mareh 2025 I Concert Income Gross Income Exp8ndlturg Surpluslld8flclti Unrestrlcted Awakening chri3lchur¢h Priory Brahms German Requiem WimtK)rne Advent Carols Jun & Jul 202 Sept 2024 No¥ 2024 Dec 2024 18.008 3.945 1.783 3.874 17,577 6.292 2.745 3.258 431 12.3471 19621 416 Restrlcted Total 202412S 2Q 872 2462 Total 2025124 2 Tours and work8hop8 Gr055 Income Expendlture Surplu8 Un￿$trICted Big Sing Brahms Big Sing Sepl 2024 Jan 2025 3,286 9,296 2.530 6,381 756 2,915 12,582 3.671 Re5tflcted Total 2024125 12582 3.671 Tgtal 2023124 3 R8cordlfig and broadcast Income Gross Incorn? Expendlture Surplus Awakening Recording Atmosphere Pleta & 4NS CD'S 18.790 1,517 20 16.486.00 304 1.517 20 Total 2024126 18.327 16.486 Total 1023124 4 Incom& frorn fundralslng ¥ctlvltle8 Gros$ Income Expendlture Surplus Unrestrlcled Funeral Choir MusicJCD Sales 375 61 436 375 61 436 Blg Sing Rostrlcted Bournemouth Lottery18SYCI 48 48 48 48 Totsl 2024125 484 484 Total 2023124 12,198 S Glft Ald recov8r8blg The lolal GittAiol recoverable In 2024125 was £4,91312023124 £81.3431 Unre8trfctod fund8 Restrlcted funds Total fund5 Totsl Funds 2025 2024 6 Overheads Printing. postage, phone and stationery Publicity an(5 recwilment Subscriptions ènd insurances Miscellaneous adminisliation Website 951 951 572 504 787 1,533 1,068 923 361 648 923 381 648 Total 2.883 LL. Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Statement of Flnanclal A¢tlvltles It Year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Restrlctod funds funds Totsl funds 2025 Totsl funds 2024 Note INCOME Donatlons Subscriptions income Subscriptions from members BSYC Patrons Contribution to PerforMan￿S Future Projects donations Members and sponsors Donations from benefactors HS Turner Memorial Fund Sandrey Dale Memorial Scholarship Fund BSYC Malcolm Burdell Memorial Fund 27,795 27,795 2,965 5,187 25,600 2,e01 4,011 2.965 5.187 2,055 5,798 2,055 5,798 253,763 6,033 255 225 747 628 3.380 626 3,380 Income from charitable activltlos Concert income Tours and workshops Recording and broadcast Hire and sale of music 27,410 12,582 18,327 2,513 27,410 12,582 18,327 2,513 37,537 12,133 2,170 5,663 Income from othèr tradlng actlvltlos Fundraising activities 436 48 12,198 Inve$tm¢nt Income Deposit account interest 6,441 6,441 630 Total Income 108,544 7,019 115.563 363.566 EXPENDITURE Cost of ralslng funds Fundraising activities 5,833 Expenditure on charitable activities Concert costs Tours and workshops Recording and broadcast Hire and purchase of music Rehearsal accommodation and professionals Overheads 29,872 8,911 16,486 1,652 34,847 2,883 29,872 8,911 16,486 1,979 38,753 2.883 64,196 8,262 327 3.9C 6,136 30,835 4,465 Total expendlture 94,651 4,233 98.884 119.727 Net Sncomel{expendlturel and net movoment In funds 243 839 Reconciliation of funds.. Total fund5 brought lO￿ard 295,961 17.091 313,052 69,213 Total fund8 carrled forward 309,854 19.877 329.731 313,052 IL Bournemouth Symphony Chorus BalanGe Sheet As at 31 March 2025 Note 2026 2024 Current ass¢ts Stocks Music & Folders Long Service Glasses CD'S 1,795 172 90 1,795 193 90 2,057 2,078 Deblors Gift Aid recoverable Prepayments 2.866 4,051 60,085 18,810 6.917 78,895 Fixed term cash deposit Cash al bank and in hand 100.000 250.089 120,000 202,448 Total current assets 359,063 403.421 Creditors.. amounts falling due wlhin one year Travel deposits held on behalf of members Accruals and deferred Income 118.0021 11.330 71,155 19,215 129,3321 190,3701 Net current assets and Net assets 329 731 313 052 Funds of the Charity Reslricled funds.. HS Turner Memorial Fund Alverna Trust Bursary Sandrey Dale Memorial Scholarship Fund BSYC Malcolm Burdett Memorial Fund BSYC 391 265 12,030 7,191 390 265 11,405 4,138 893 19,877 17,091 Unreslricled funds Earmarked fund - Future Projects General Fund 291,719 18,135 283,866 12,095 309,854 295,981 Totsl funds 329 731 313052 Slgn¢d on behalf of the trustees Signature Name Dats of approval Ihv(fs Lwc F[15 J v W)(0 oo u> ro V¢D N ra) 000000 ootsooooo ¢fj C CQ o000t￿￿)￿O ¢N r ( r£> TooTr)OthOr OOOOO¢ryWJO 0000￿)0 ooooNooo 000000 00000000 ooooooo 00000000 Lnoooooo 00000000 ttir£(io Bournemouth Symphony Chorus Note5 to the accounts Yèir éndod 31 Mareh 2025 I Concert Income Gross Income Exp8ndlturg Surpluslld8flclti Unrestrlcted Awakening chri3lchur¢h Priory Brahms German Requiem WimtK)rne Advent Carols Jun & Jul 202 Sept 2024 No¥ 2024 Dec 2024 18.008 3.945 1.783 3.874 17,577 6.292 2.745 3.258 431 12.3471 19621 416 Restrlcted Total 202412S 2Q 872 2462 Total 2025124 2 Tours and work8hop8 Gr055 Income Expendlture Surplu8 Un￿$trICted Big Sing Brahms Big Sing Sepl 2024 Jan 2025 3,286 9,296 2.530 6,381 756 2,915 12,582 3.671 Re5tflcted Total 2024125 12582 3.671 Tgtal 2023124 3 R8cordlfig and broadcast Income Gross Incorn? Expendlture Surplus Awakening Recording Atmosphere Pleta & 4NS CD'S 18.790 1,517 20 16.486.00 304 1.517 20 Total 2024126 18.327 16.486 Total 1023124 4 Incom& frorn fundralslng ¥ctlvltle8 Gros$ Income Expendlture Surplus Unrestrlcled Funeral Choir MusicJCD Sales 375 61 436 375 61 436 Blg Sing Rostrlcted Bournemouth Lottery18SYCI 48 48 48 48 Totsl 2024125 484 484 Total 2023124 12,198 S Glft Ald recov8r8blg The lolal GittAiol recoverable In 2024125 was £4,91312023124 £81.3431 Unre8trfctod fund8 Restrlcted funds Total fund5 Totsl Funds 2025 2024 6 Overheads Printing. postage, phone and stationery Publicity an(5 recwilment Subscriptions ènd insurances Miscellaneous adminisliation Website 951 951 572 504 787 1,533 1,068 923 361 648 923 381 648 Total 2.883 LL.