Registered Charity Number 1057242 Registered Company Number 3220578 London Concert Choir (A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Accounts 31st July 2024
London Concert Cholr Annual Report and Accounts Contents Page Charity References and Administrative Details Trustees, Report Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the accounts 10 12-15
London Concert Choir Charity References and Administrative Details Registered Charity Company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital Company No 3220578 Charity No 1057242 Management Committee J A Finlay (Chairman) M D Goodwin J M Greenway B A Paterson S C Rickett A T Strydom Company Secratary S L Livesey Registered Offi¢e 7 Ildersly Grov8 Dulwich London SE218EU Bankers CAF Bank 25 Klngs Hill Ave Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examlner Tom Wilcox Counterculture Partnership LLP Bank Chambers Main Street Hawes North Yorkshire DL8 3QL Note The Management Committee are the Directors of the company for company law puq)OS8S. Th8 Trusteas ortho charily for charity law pU0$&S consist of the Management Committee and thg Company Secretary.
London Concert Choir Trustees, Report The report of the Trustees for the year ended 316t July 2024 Introduction The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024 which comply with current statutory requirements, the charity's goveming documents and SORP FRS 102 Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The financial statements will be submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House after the AGM. The annual report and accounts help to provide timely and regular information on the charity and its funds, to help understand the charity's objectives, structure, aclivities and achievements and to gain appreciation of the financial transactions during the year and of its funds at the end of the year. Trustses Trustees who served during the year were the under-mentioned members of the Management Committee and the Company Secretary. Management Committee J A Finlay (Chairman) J M Greenway S C Rickett M D Goodwin B A Paterson A T Strydom Company Secretary S L Livesey The appointment and induction of new Trustees is reviewed regularly to cover areas of expertise required by the charity. The training requirements of current Trustees are reviewed regularly at Management Committee meetings. Trustees do not receive any benefits. Objectives and Activlties of the Charity The Company is a registered charity formed to advance aesthetic education for the public benefit in the art and science of music. It usually undertakes choral concerts principally at Central London venues and performs by arrangement al concerts for the benefit of the public and other charities. The Trustees ofthe Choir have complied with the duty in section 4 ofthe Charilles Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. In pursuing our aims for the public benefit, the choir believes it generally impacts on people's lives in these ways'.- First, participants are involved in a creative, enjoyable and fulfilling educational activity, provlding Ih8m with the opportunity to develop vocal technique and musical repertoire. This is supported by workshops where members can develop their abilities. Secondly, for audiences. we present exciting, innovative and high-quality performances which should alway5 be a pleasurable cultural experience, but will sometimes challenge and educate as well, by extending their musical knowledge. In addition to the public educational benefits to participants and audlences mentioned above, the Committee is conscious that its activities must be affordable, so concessionary rates are available for membership Subscriptions and a wide range of ticket prices is offered to allow the concerts to be available to all. We
continue to offer discounted membership to students and under-25s.' any other member with financial difficulties can discuss a reduced subscription arrangement with the Treasurer. When it is practical, we invite other charities to hold a collection at the conclusion of our concerts and assist them with fre8 publicity. Review of Achievements and Performance of the Charlty during the year Our 63rd Season began 4th September 2023 with a slightly lower than normal membership. The contract with Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church confirming the use of their space that LCC use for Monday night rehearsals and Saturday workshops continues to be reviewed by both parties on an annual basis along with the annual charge for using the rehearsal space. Being in the middle of the biennial contract review, starting in September 2022 between LCC and Musical Director and Rehearsal Accompanist, these continued. The London Concert Choir's 2023-2024 season offered a rich variety of choral masterworks, Celebrating music from classical sacred compositions to festive carols and historic oratorio. Directed by Mark Forkgen. the choir explored the emotional and spiritual depth of renowned choral music while maintaining a strong connection with London's diverse music community. The first performance was in Oclober 2023 wlth a program of French sa¢d music at Holy Trinity, Sloane Square. This concert featured Maurice Duruflo's Requiem, a piece noted for its tranquil beauty and complèx harmonies, alongside Jean Langlais, Messe Solennelle, a dynamic and challenging work for choir and organ. Additionally, selections from Gabriel Fauré added a romantic touch, making the program both meditative and musically rich. This was soon followed by a performance 81h December 2023 in St. John's Smith Square with then named Southbank Sinfonia, (before later name change to Sinfonia Smith Square) Work that night consisted of Schubert.. Unfinished Symphony, Schubert.. Magnificat, Mendelssohn.. Ave Maria, Mendelssohn.. Hebrides Overture, and the most mesmerising and moving rendition of Mendelssohn.. Christus that wowed the audience. We had a full line up of artists including, St. John's Smiths Sinfonia. Mark Forkgen, (Music DirectorlConductorlPianist). Jan Trott (Soprano), Ben Collyer (Organist), and Ben Michaels (Cello). Days later 20th December LCC performed our annual Carols for Choir and Audience in Holy Trinity Sloane Square. We had another full 'Carol' house of 500 and with our chosen Charity, for a second consecutive year, supporting St. George's Hospital Charity Children's Appeal.. It's Time for a Change to raise money for their campaign to improve Children's PICU. Children's Wards and additional bed spaces. Spring Term saw LCC returning 81h January working towards the performance of Dvorak: Stabat Mater on 14 March. Spring is usually a short and spritely term that this time saw Ben Markovic deputising for Assistant Music Director and Principle Accompanist Laurence Williams a few times. Summer Term hit the ground running on 15th Aprll followed by the 2nd rehearsal ending early with all choir members invited to a LCC Social. The instigation of the LCC Social taking place at the second half of the 2nd rehearsal at the start ofa term to gatherovera drink is proving a hit for membersl It allows members to engage socially soon after a holiday break for a catch up, welcome new members to LCC at the beginning of a term and let folks trying out LCC see how we 80und and get to know who the LCC Family are at the start of a season. The final piece of the revised LCC branding and new logo was done for the new LCC folders. The first airing ofthese, (and they looked very smart and legible from the slalls), was thefinal concerton 20th June in Cadogan Hall ft)r performances of Purcell., Dido and Aeneas and Handel.. Dixit Dominus.
In sum, the London Concert Choir's 2023-2024 season balanced beloved sacred music, holiday traditions, and major oratorio, engaging audience5 Wlth a variety of choral experiences. Each performance showcased the choir's continued skill and passion, from intricate a cappella harmonies to grand orchestral works. Chairman's statement and plans for future periods starting with slightly lower membership numbers than we would like, London Concert Cholr managed to perform full, entertaining and invigorating concerts through the season. Welthe Committee continued our strategy to book and perform in middle to small concert locations in London to continue the possibility of growth in income and reserves after a low income period due to the 'Covid years,. The continued termly rhythm of rehearsals {45), Saturday workshops {2) and performances (5) remains along with monthly Committee meetings and quarterly 5-year creative planning meetings with input from membership. LCC are at a point in being able to confirm a full season ahead at the start of a calendar year some 9 months before the Season starts. The Committee push is to be able to confirm a Season a Season in advan1 Our Quarterty 5 Year creative planning meetings enable LCC to obtain first choice dates for venues and first choice accompanying artists along with marketing and social media planning raising awareness as early for needed ticket sales. Potential new members therefore have notice of what they will sing, improving the rate of new members joining LCC and retaining exlsting membership for another season ahead. LCC has incorporated 'digital ticketing. (Tlcketsoue) in rehearsal breaks for the middle to small venues that do not have box offiS. (Based on comparison to date Ticketsource has the lowest fees from online licket providers). The purchase of additional touch payment machines has sped the process of transactions at the LCC run bars during performan inteNals and ticket sales. This 'digitization' allows LCC to be more self- sufficient as needed for our non box officed venues.. LCC will continue to work maintaining its membership numbers, around 130, from membership turnover from annual drop offs or time outs due to work and personal commitments outside LCC. Ever increasing external financial pressure on our audience5 means LCC must continue rehearsing and performlng repertoire that they can 'spend to attend. _ at the same time branching away from the 'choral top 10, that LCC already do and continue to engaging in exciting repertoire broadening members and audiences alike in their musical knowledge and appreciation. LCC continues to be a positive environment with many members this past season noting how much they love attending rehearsals and being part oflhe LCC family. As always LCC look fotward to the seasons ah6ad for new and returning members along with new and returning audiences. Public Benefit statement The Trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission published guidance on the operation of the public benefit requirement and are satlsfied that the charity meets these requirements. structure, Governance and Management Constitution of the Charity The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee without a share capital. The registered company number is 3220578 and the registered charity number is 1057242. The charity's Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding the public benefit test.
Organisatlonal Structure and Governance The organlsalional structure of London Concert Choir consists of a Management Committee who meet regularly to consider and review the Charity's activities, general progress and current financial position. Decisions are then made on matters such as the programme for the year and the level of expendilure to be Incurred. Reserve8 Pollcy The choir has reviewed its reserve policy during the year. The choir requires resee8 for several reasons: To enable payments In advance to be made, for example, deposits on the hire of halls for future years. To ensure there are sufficient funds in the bank to provide for potential cash flow issues during a year. To hold a contingency for unexpe¢ted expenses which may arise during the season. To cover a shortfall in income compared to the budget. This is particularly the case with ticket sales. To cover uninsured risks, for example if a concert had to be abandoned. Insurance is available up to £10,000 per concert, and many risks are not covered. To enable planning for al least years ahead to be rnade with the assurance that funds are available. In the committ88's opinion, resenfes in the range £40,000 to £60,000 would meet the above requirements. On 31 July 2024, the choir's reserves totalled £32,255, an increase of £6,719 during the year. The trustees are actively managing the charitable activities and considering raising funds in order to increase reserves to an acceptable level. Transactions and Flnanclal posltlon The financial statements are set out on pages 10 to 15. The Trustees confirm that the charity's assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations. A majority of the expenditure is spent on charitable activities. Rlsk Asse88ment It is good practice for charity trustees to set a framework to identify and respond to risk and to provide melhodology for risk management and its reporting. The risks considered relate to the operational performance of the charity and the achievement of ils aims and objectives, and are summarised as governance risks, operational risks, finan¢ial risks, external risks and compliance with law and regulations. The Committee will continue to take account of risk management in all future planning, for example when working through the rolling 5-year plan. It will be updating its risk management register. statement of Directors, and Trustee8' Responslbllitles Company law requires the Management Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Committee has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The financial statements are required to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the Committee is required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business., and state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed. subjed to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. The Trustees and Management Committee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charitable company and that enable them to ensure that the financial slatements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assels ofthe charitable company and hence fortaking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Method of preparation of accounts These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies. regime. Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by: Print name: ohe4 F( Membor of the Management CommitteèlDlr8ctor
London Concert Cholr Independent Examlner's Report to the Truste88 For the yèar ended 31 July 2024 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 July 2024. Responslbllltles and basls of report The charity Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('Ihe 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in resped of my examination of your charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Acl'}. In carrying out my examination I have followed the directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm Ihat no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examlnation giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act-, or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination., or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordan with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and RepubliG of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should b8 drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. LG 20 December 2024 Date.. Tom Wilcox FCIE Counterculture Partn8rship LLP Bank Chambers Main Street Hawes North Yorkshire DL8 3QL
London Concert Cholr Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31st July 2024 Total Funds Unrèstrlctèd Restricted Prlor Perlod Funds Funds Total Funds Notes 2024 2024 2024 2023 Income frorn: Donations & legacies Charilabl8 activit18S Concerts 51,029 51,029 35,693 3b 44,764 44.764 58,091 Investments 446 446 123 Total income 96,239 96,239 93,907 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Concerts Workshops Governance Gosts Total expenditure 2,175 2,175 2,424 5b 81,900 4,824 621 89,520 81,900 4,824 621 89,520 83,451 1,000 540 87.415 Net Incomingl(outgoing) resources 6,719 6,719 6,492 Reconciliation of funds Totsl funds brought forward 25,536 25,536 19,044 Total funds carried forward 32,266 32,255 26,536 The company made no recognlsed gains or losses other than those reported in the Statement of Financial Activities. All activilies derivè from continuing operations. The notes on pages 12 to 15 form an Intègral part of these accounts. io
Company number 3220578 London Concert Choir Balance Sheet as at 31st July 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Flxod a8S8t8 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 4,492 22,819 27,311 33,840 33,840 Creditors:. Amounts due within one year 1,585 150 Net current assets 32,255 27,161 rotal assets mlnus current Ilabllltles 32,255 27,161 Net assots 32,255 27,161 The funds of the charity." Unrestricted Income funds Unrestricted revenue accumulated funds 32,255 27,161 Total unrestricted funds Restricted revenue accumulated funds Total restrlcted funds Total charity funds 32,255 27.161 Forthe year ended 31 July 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the quirementS of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicabSe to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by.. Prlnt namo Member of the Managemont CommltteelDlrector The notes on pages 12 to 15 form an Integral part of these accounts. li
London Concert Choir Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 st July 2024 Accounting policies Basis of preparatlon of the accounts and accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value, and the revaluation of certain fixed asset5, and in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS102} 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006. The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The principal accounting policies adopted ar8 set out below. Going concern The financial statements are prepared, on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention. At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resource5 to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts. Incoming Resources Grants and donations are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with 5uffi¢ient reliability. Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to Incoming resources in the period for which it has been received. Such income is only deferred when the donor specifies that the donation must only be used in future accounting periods or the donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entillement. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. Resources Expended Liabilities are recognised on the accruals basis in accordance with normal accounting principles, modified where neSSary in accordance with the guidan given in the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting issued by the Charity Commissioners for England & Wales. Charitable actlvitles Charitable expenditure comprises those costs Incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and seTvices for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support Ihem. Governance costs Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to Trustees on governance or constitutional matters. 12
Tangible Fixed Assets Items of expenditure of £1,000 or above (on an aggregated basis) are capitalised, and are written off over the period of Iheir expected useful lives on a straight line basis as follows.. Fixtures, fittings and equipment Straight line basis over 3 years stock of choral music is not valued at year end but is charged to the accounts when purchased. Cash Flow Statement The charity has taken advantage of the exemption applicable to small companies and not produced a cash flow statement. Taxatlon As a registered charity, the company is exempl from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Trustees, remunaratlon and expenses No remuneration or benefits wer8 paid to trustees or persons connected with them during the year. Income Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Prior Period Total Funds 2023 Funds Funds Funds 2024 2024 2024 3a Donations & legacies Donations and gift aid Membership subscriptions Friends, subscriptions Patronslcompanions 22.005 26,555 279 2,190 51,029 22,005 26,555 279 2,190 51,029 12,968 21,895 30 800 35,693 3b Charitable activities Concorts Ticket sales Programmes and refr6shments Music score sales 38,824 1,646 38,824 1,646 52,610 1,609 4,294 44,764 4,294 44,764 3,872 58,091 Workshops WorkshopslEvent income Investment Income Bank interest 446 446 123 13
Total Funds 2024 Unrestrlcted Funds 2024 Restrlctod Funds 2024 Prior Period Total Funds 2023 Expenditure Raising funds Ticket commission PRS commission on sales Programme commission Subscriptions and donations 1,615 1,615 1,288 632 139 365 2,424 168 392 2,175 168 392 2,175 Sb Chan'table activities Concerts Professional Fees Orcheslra Concert venue hire Staging and seating Instrument hireltuning Music hire incl orchestra Refreshment costs Other concert costs Programme print design Flyers including distribution Advertising Rehearsal room Rehearsal fees Stationeryllnsurance, accounts Soare Finance costs Office, software & consumables Audit and accountancy fees 16,200 12,055 13,962 894 400 5,318 326 385 1,385 1.989 1,186 5,980 13,915 921 16,200 12,055 13,962 894 400 5,318 326 385 1,385 1,989 1,186 5,980 13,915 921 14,115 11,989 13,294 4,383 3,854 211 2,510 1,378 1,943 2,487 6.000 12,260 1,141 328 4,536 328 4.536 1.251 5,781 2,120 81,900 2,120 81,900 855 83,451 Workshops WorkshopslEvent costs 4,824 4,824 4,824 4,824 1,000 1,000 staff costs The charity did not employ any staff during the year. 14
Tanglble fixed as8ets Flxtiire8, fittings and equlpment Total Cost At 1 st August 2023 Addition5 As at 31 July 2024 2,255 2,255 2,255 2,255 Depreciation At 1st August 2023 Charge for year As at 31 July 2024 2,255 2,255 2.256 2,265 Nat Book Value As at 31 July 2023 As at 31 July 2024 The capitali5ed assets represent a recording system and staging. Debtors 2024 2023 Amounts owing to ¢hoir Prepayments 4,492 4,492 Credltors: amounts falllng due wilhin one year Trade Creditors Accrued expenses Prepayments by the choir 810 775 1,586 150 150 10 Related party transactions There were no transactions with related parties in the year. 11 R08trlcted funds There were no restricted funds in th8 years 2022123 or 2023124. 15