Company registration number.. 04056093 Charity regislratK)n Trumber". 1083903 Clonter Farm Music Trust Unau¢Jited Financial Statements Ihe Year El￿ed 31 Dè¢8mter 2023 Bright Partnership Limited 1 Park Street Ma¢clesfield Cheshire SK11 6SR Clonter Fami Muslc Trust Contents Reftrrence and Administrative Details Tnjstees, Report 2to18 Indèp&r￿ènl Examinerfs Report 19to20 ststement of Financial h£tiwbes 21 Balance Sheet 22to23 Notes to the FinancAal Statements 24to31 Detaile(I Ststwnent of Financial Activities 32to33 Clonter Farni Music Trust Reference and Administrative Details Trustees N Mathias. Chainian Lady A K Pilkington MBE S Farmer J J Meadmore EJBlwd D Billings N Mathias. Chain)an S•cretary Charity Reglstralion Numl) 10839)3 Company Registration Number 04056093 R¢gi$lèrÈd Offic• Clonter Farm Swettenham Healh Congleton Cheshire CW12 2LR Independent Examiner Bright Pathetship Lwnited 1 Park Streel Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 6SR Bank•rs Barclay5 Bank PIC 22 London Road Akledey E(Jge Cheshire SK9 7EA Page 1 Clonter Farni Music Trust Trustees. Report Clonter Op•ra Theatre was fgundèd in 1974 gaining charilablè status as Clont•r Fam) Mus•c Trust ICFMTI and a company limited by guarantee in 2000. Clonterfs education ou11￿h programm• for s¢hools in the Northwest first gained charitable status in1990. The Trustees, who are also directOTS of the charity lor the purposes of th• Companies Act 2006. p￿seTht thèir rèport with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 Decembèr 2023. The Trustees have adoptèd the provisions of Accountlng and Rtportlng by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practic• applicable to charilies preparing their a¢¢ount$ in aceordance with the Financial Réporting Stsndard appllcable in thè UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 {èffective 1 January 20191. The Trust operates Irom Clonter Opera Theatre. Swettenham Heath. Congleton. Cheshire. and 15 the only rural venuè-basèd op•ra company in the Northwest of England dedicated to emerging artists. 08JECTIVES. AIMS AND ACTMTIES 1. Objeetives and Alms of Clontew Farn) MusSc Trust {CFMT) Charitablè Obl￿tiveS and Aims 1.1. To prowde high quality trainiry and experience of pertorming pubticly for persons embarking on prolessional opera careers in ihe United Kingdom. eslatslish such courses ol training and tuition, and such public concert slage and olher perforniances, as Ihe Trustees shall see fit. 1.2. To make courses accessible ￿1h tNJrsaries. Pa￿ng all ￿ part of Ihe expenses of persons incurred in the attending ol such courses. 1.3. When appropriate. professiona developmtrnt opwrtthtties are offered to more established artists. 1.4. To bridge the gap be￿een conseNatoire and professional work offering cast member5 an environmenl in which to nelwcKk. develop their craft. and share an artysts"c experience vrith olhers who enjoy and support Ihe Arts. 1.5. To extend prolèssional development opportunities to emerging professh)nal designers and technicians vthenever possible. 1.6. To provide performance opportunibes for emerging wtists from other musical genres. 1.7. To advance and promote the appreciation and enjoyment of the art of music and drama to the general public. induding Ihe eldwty arKJ other marginalised groups. as wdl as and colleges. 1.8. To offer free workshops to sdM)ols within post-industrial and rural "Cold SKK)ts' ol the Northwest of Englan¢Y introducing them to artfomis and creattve skblls they may never olherwise experience or have the ¢Jpporiunity lo develop, wilh the telief thal every chikl shwkl have &￿sS lo high-quality rnusic making. Page 2 Clonter Farni Music Trust Trustees, Report 2. Activities Thg Tnjst achi￿eS the above objectives thrcKJgh the fomowry acti￿tieS.. 2.1. With the staging of tts ¢Jwn annual prtyjuction wilh specialty reduced (xchestrations and without choruses. focussing ￿sOurceS of shoKasing artists ￿rf0M)I￿3 prinapal rdes. The awarding of an annual opera prize Iwhere 6 singers. nominated by the UK'S leading conservatoires. come head to head, for a singing competition at Clonler). Ihe provisK•n of two opera studios. culminating in showcase oncerts. and delivery of workshops and perforniance opportunities lor sthoo& and musical teas for the e￿erty. 2.2. Each year CFMT historically has audilioned 140- 200 singers from music cdleges around the UK as well as holding indèpendent audrtions lor singers just starting their professional careers in London and at Clonter. This year 200 singers were auditioned ijigitalty and 60 shortlisted for live auditions in London in November for thè 2023 summer Opera pr￿Juction, opera studM)s in May and November. For those selècted, aftec these comprehensive audilions. ihe benefits of re5identsal faolities, and a supporting slaff of exceptional calibre. ensure that these emergirwJ Singers achieve maxwnum potential during the opera studi95 and th8reaftar. CFMT is an equal opportunities Organ￿a￿On offèring free auditions. Travel expenses are paid for those travellirwJ bng distsn¢es removing obstacles of cost. 2.3. Clonter is a registereij Arls Award Centre enaf)ling Y￿n9 peO￿e to gain progressive, nationally recogni5ed Arts Award Qualifications. Arts Award 15 also an Approved ACtI￿ty Provider offering recognised activities as part of the skills Secti￿ of The Duke of Edinbur9h's Award. 2.4. Clonler makes its facilities availthle at reduced costs to otlw arts organisalKJns with similar aims. to nurture emerging talent, and provide access to hwjh quality live music. 2.S. Clonter is 8 cultural deslination prowding a rich and diverse progrdmme of music218vents throughout the year I￿luding.. Folk, jazz, gospel and chamber music, as wdl as opera. aiming to make h￿h quality live musical entertainment as accessible as possible to Ihe widest audience demowaphir possible. as well as offering performance opportunits.es lo emergirig artists in all genres. 3. Activilies in 2023 3.1. General notè - Recognising that fle￿bIlIty and agilty wwe key to surviwng after the Arts Council Cultural recovery funding ended in 31 Mar¢h 2021. CFMT has continued to diversify and adapt lo thè new ultural and e¢onomic climate post-covid still keepirvJ its focus on provKJing opportuntties lo artists and technicians. 3.2. Collaborations - Post co￿d, CFKff identified the importance of o)Ilakwalion vth other lotal arts orgaftisations mixe than ever, and in 2023 Cknter presented 4 chamber Music concerts wh￿h incIL￿ed a member of the Kanneh-mason family, continving on the work of the fomer Holmes Chapel Music S￿IetY. In add￿'On Clonter has Ic*med a ¢CAL4tr￿>rth"o￿ wlh kxal arts organIsat￿ Goosefest. who run a fests"v31 every October, hiring the theatre for one of their events. wthich is publicised on our websile. and Ihey reciprocate wlh OUT September events. Page 3 Clonter Fami Muslc Trust Trustees. Report 3.3. P•rfomianc• Opportunities - Ck)nter offered perfcrfming opportunitie5 to 216 creative artists and practitionèrs, ol which 28 were emerging or earfy career opèr8 singers. vh)0 all ￿CeNed bursaries. free accommodation and lood during their stay at Clonter. 16 techniaans were also engaged in 2023, of which 3 We￿ offered paid apprenticeships free accommodation. travel expenses and food duiing their stay. Clonter also provided a stagiThJ opportunity to a total of approximately 600. with all Ihe participants of the Love Music Twst Spring showcase, the Sylk Dance School, and Ihe Great British Music Camp. 3.4. Subsidis•d External Hires CFMT conshjers the provision ol subsmlised extefnal hire as an extension of its collatM)ration poly. CFMT continued to subsidise the S￿k Dance Academy showcase, the Great Bnts'sh Mu5iG Camp, and The Love MUS￿ Trust held annual (%lebratory weekend concerts at Clonter. 3.5. Opera Prize - 6 emerging opera singers. nominated by 6 ￿ading ¢onservat¢ires. performed before a panel of judges. Represenlats"ves from leadirvJ opera companies such as Opera North. Scottish Opera. Glyndebourne and The Royal Opera House %bEre invited to sit on the judges. panel as well as managing agents. This event invites Ihe audience lo vote. acting as one member of the panel. The prize money was £1.500 cash and a fikred ￿Cital worth £1,500 and the runner up pnze was £1.000. 3.6. Musical Teas for the Elderty Two teas were performed on consecutive days. tK4h in arvj then again in December. This event offers an exlra performing opp(xtunity for emerging singers, who have recently performed eithèr in the workshop proyramme or opera productions al Clonter to experiment with. and broaden their repertOlTe. at the same lime as providing 8n event that is accessible to marginalised groups ¢)n Tuesdays in Ihe fom) of a 'relaxed perfomance, for care home residents. and Ihose been ¢ared for at home, and on Wednesdays for those caring for Iheir bved onès at home. or who p￿fer not to go out at night. Both events also tKovide an opw>rtunity to ￿ng al￿. 3.7. Rams•y Room Sessions - Davè Ital and Xantone Blacq introduced jazz. funk. and soul lo Clonter. attracting a more diverse audien￿ in the intimate.club style- selb"TrJ of th8 Ramsey Room. 3.8. Masterclass Opera Studio & Spring Opera Showcase - This annual event offered an opportunity for 5 singers to work with a director and rnusic director on re￿rtOlre of their own choice as well as ensembles chosen by Ckjnter. One Masterclass was open to the PU￿4C and was followed by Thè Spring Opern Showcase, from which extremely posiltve lÈÈilback was ￿ceiVed from the participants, 8n(J continues to forTn a Pivotal comer stone in the core aims and objective5 of the Iwst - brK19ing a gap between conservatoire and the wOfess￿. 3.9. Jazz in June - This year James Pearson's and Friends included a yotjng and lo¢al emerging saxophonist. Alex Clarke. who played alongsKle singerlsonwter Polly Gibbons. who featured one of her own songs. fr(Mn her album As It Is,. 3.10. Summer Opera Production - Clontw commissioned a new Inr￿al￿e perfomiing edition. English translation, and dialogue for Mozart's The Magic Flute. and utilised projedions. all of which enabled Clonler lo produce this opera lor the first lime. Membèrs of the cast played multiple parts, instruments. sang all the choruses. puppeteer and mime parts on-stage. Page 4 Clonter Farni Music Trust Trustees. Report 3.11. Magic Flute-2023 Review and evaluation$ sumrn•ry Engagement Stats - 30 Creative pract￿.(mrS. 12 Technicians. 8 Products"on team members, 14 local suppliefs & 30 vdunteers. Tolal 97 peoKAe were eryaged to delivei this w>je¢t and work front of house. Audlènce Stats- 1581 audience members". 569 were newcomers. 103 were uThJer Ihe ag8 of 26, I￿Uding groups the local YMCA receiving free bckets. A New Translation - Clonler commissioned internationally renowned Director Michael Mccaffery to cre8t8 a nèw English translation of the libretto and d(althJue of this great wort enabling Clonler to create its own production of The Magic Flute for the firsl ￿rne wth singers performing mulli￿e parts. Journalistic Reviews Clonler's avowed aim is to be a plarform for emerging artists and a bridge from conservatoire training lo thè professional world. and its track record in achievirKJ that for nearly 50 years is impressive. This summer prsirbg and c￿a￿.￿9 recordings ol their songs, full sized set config¢Jralions and I￿hlIng projections. wth the assistance of professtonal creative practitioners. lechnicians and musicians. 224 children who took part in Performance projects wrote their own scripts and received addrtional design and song-writing workshops in school prior to visiting Clonler lo pèrform in. stage manage. and Itght for thèii (Iwn show, in front of other perf0rrnan￿ prqèct parb"cipants. as wèll as their parenls. Free workshops and contributions io coach fares were offered to with a high proportion ol children eligible for free school meals and pupil premtum. Free workshops and Arts Award Log5 were also offered to primary sGh¢)ols in cultural c(Ad-5PQts lisled in the indices of muth.ple deprivation. The leacher5 wh brought thildren to Ctonter remarked on the added value of wsibrKJ and working in a large real-lrfe theatre in a rural localion, whwe children, most affected by the Pandemic, could see animals and trees they had never seen in real lifè belore. They enjoye(I the novel experience of collectirKJ conkers al Clonter and driving through the Cheshire counlry5ide which rnany had never 8XFAored wew¢ytsly. Wè increased Ihè roll-out of our HW)rid Musical Thea1￿ workshops for schools who are unable to come out to Clonter. These include set design workshops in Scho￿ delivered by two wofessional designers, enabling Ghildren to cfeale1.'50 miniature sets lor 3 shakespea￿ plays in model boxes. Aft materials, inspirab"¢Jn sheets, and Arts Award Logs are provKJed by Clonter. The design workshops are com ￿eM￿nted by a virtual, interactive workshop and show called Puck's Adventure, with live on-line support and a Q&A session with 8 Cast member for schools who were unable lo rxjme to Ck)nter. 180 pupils have achieved Arts Award Discover qualrfKations Ir(¥n Trinity Co]le9e in London. Page 6 Clonter Fami Muslc Trust TTUStees' Report 4. Public B•n•flt 5.600 audience members attended Cknnter events, and 2,178 thildren and teachers booked in lo take part in Clonler workshops and an additional 750 people attending Love Musi¢ Trust. Great Britssh Music cafflp, Goosefest and Sylk dancè. events. 191 Free b"ckets were taken up by people aged 26 or under. We donated 134 comps to Tickets Good., who offer free tithels for NHS. charity sector workers and eost-of-living payynent r6cipiènts. Blue Light 8&1ge Hdders lèmergency semcesl. NHS workers. refugees, and Ih05e attendiro fcKKI bank5. were also offered free tickets. Many of those who took up this offer havè signed up to our digital mailing lisl and now receNe regular updates from Clonter. Digital reach... We have managed lo increase our youtu￿ channel from 25,469 in 2022 to 33,000 in 2023. 498 new subscribers to our Dot mailer list 98.495 unique opens. Facebook page visits have grown by over 40ts/0 comparèd with 2022 wtth a page reath of 203,646. We have become more ackn.ve on Instagram with 100 p)sts this year and our reach has grown by more than 25¥• to 1.761 followers with an averagè number ol views per video growny by 140% wlh 653 views per *id80. We have 260 new Instagram followers whereas our Twitter follower count has dropped by 35% leading us to believe that Twitter may no k)nger be a valuable promotion plattorn for our events. The numbeT of page views for ¢)ur website has grown by 30°/o to 148K wth 25K users whose bcrtjnce rate has dropped by approx. 30% showing that users havè b8èn spending moré b.me interactsrwJ wth our site. The average user rK)w dicks on approx. 6 pages during their session compared wth 4-5 pages in 2022. The newcorner stats for 2023 are mixed. 15% of this year's Opera PrrLe audience wero newcorners, and we saw 320/0 newcomers at the Spring Opera Showcase and 36% lor The Magic Flule. We saw 24% increase in newcomers attending Chamber M¢Jsic concerts. The most notable surge in ts'ckets Sales was Drop Me Off in Hadem with 55% increase in attendancè. The Opera Gala saw 24% and the ￿spe1 concert saw 26% newcomers. 5. People The 2023 season gave perfomiance opportunit*s to 216 artists and ¢reab"ve practitioners (dèsigners, directors and musKians. audio visual deS￿ne(SI of vthich 28 were emerging opera sirngers. resulting from audib"oning ovèr 200 singers. We prowded work and professional dèvelopment opportunities to 16 technicians Iltghting, siage managernent. wardrobe mainlenarTrce and sound engineers) and have 35 vduntéers and 32 regular 5eNce providers. Pap7 Clonter Farm Muslc Trust Trustees. Report 6. Financial review Overview The charity has defiut unrestricted fund5 for the year of £35.421 {2022 £18,755 def￿11) The Trusts f5nances were supmed by subordinated h)ans of £35.000_ &"nce ihe year end. the term of all the subofdinated loans have been exterbdèd to the 31 March 2024. Increased efforts lo secure future funding is a high priority and a new fundraising manager has been appointed to maximise the fvndraising potential of new solfv4are and customer relats.￿)S management system. Reserve policy The Trust ulilises Its unreslricted funds to prowde working capital. fund capital replacements and to cover any deftcits. The ￿n￿Stricted reserves sland'at £101.281 12022 £136,702) The trustees have previously set a reserve policy lo buikl up free reserves to equate to six months of operating costs which has not been achieved this year. The trustees are working on slrategies to buikj the necessary lèv81 of reserves in the future. Investmènt policy and obJ•ctives When investing surplus funds the Trust seeks appropriate prolass￿ advi￿. At the present lime surplus funds are placed on deposit Going concern There are no material uncert3inb.es about the charitrfs ability lo continue to operate for a twel￿ month period frager and the Trustees. Page 8 Clonler Fami Music Trust Trustees. Report 6.1 Philanthroplc support - We extend our deepèst gralitude to our indi*idual donors. ¥those gènèrous financial support has beèn primarily instrumenial in ènabling Cbnler to continue nurturing emerging artisls. allowing thern to gain valuable training and perforniing experiencé through Clonter's productions and other showcase opFx)rtunitiÈS. In 2023 Clonter Launched ils -Let us be 50 IWpeal' resulting in sleady flow ol donations and ￿edge5 of malGh funding for the 50th Anniversary Appeal in 2024. The match fund appeal will be launched with an endorsement Irom Sir Mark Elder. CH,CBE who has graciously agreed to serve as Clonlerfs new Patron. We remain committed to keeping Funders and Clonter Friends and Patrons engaged with our work through regular updates, evaluations, newsletters and digital mailers. These efforts ensure Clonler remains in the forefront of people's minds detnonstrating how effectively we alun wth the goals ol our funding partners. Clonter conlinued to work with over 20 funding partners. During every Clonter perfomiance appeals were made from Iht sta9e. for ntw Friends. Patrons and charitable support, and additional income was raised fr(￿ the sale of raffle tickets during suppèr inteNals. 6.2 Ticket Pricing - We are pleased 10 report an irKrease in ticket revenue compared lo 2022. wilh The Magtc Flute exceeding its budget projections. In line with our commilmenl lo broadeniThJ accessibility, we introduced 3 new pricing band at every event in 2023. makirvJ ts"ckets MO￿ affordable to a wider audience. We thank everyone vtho attended our pwtom)ances and knk forward to welcoming them bad( in the future. 6.3 Frlends and Patrons of Clonter - The supwxt from Friend5 arKI Patrons continues to be vilal in ensuring the financial stability ol Clonter Farm MUS￿ Tnjst. We express our sincere thanks lo those who renewed theii memberships and offer a wèmi welcome to those rew mernbers who responded lo our"Let us be SO Appeal". We repeated the new Friend5 and Patrons. evening fomiat to entertain the Friends. Patrorts major donors of CFMT in the Ramsey Room and foyer area of the theatre instead of on the main stage, thus retaining a more intimate atmosphere and alloweil the perfomiers lo d1￿ctlY express to the Friends how ValUa￿e their experiences 81 Clonter had been lo them. 6.4 Charitable Grants whi￿ charitable wanls and donation revels 2023 werè down on 2022 when we had two extraordinary grants, one of which was not renewed and the other being reduced by 500A. Arts Council England an Chèshire East did not rengw Pre￿OU$ SUPPOrt for the second running. The TrL¢Stees of CFMT would like to thank all the trusls and foundations who increased their support for our"Let us be 50 Appeal" was crucial in ena￿Ing Clonler to conlinue as a cultural destsnatson. aThJ benefith'ng emerging lalent, regional audiences. artists. schools. arhd the dderfy in (xjr local coMm￿lty. 6.5 Corporate Sponsorship- We retained our main corForate Opera sponsor forthe opefa. Page 9 Clonter Farm Muslc Trust Trustees. Report 7. Continuing our quest to gain an Environmental Quality Mark Clonter proposed to continue to: . Maintain Solar panels lo generate electricity Continue a Plastic iK>ttle free pc4&cy - We use Crag Spmg Water from The Peak District and milk from the Bidlea Dairy. They supply, collect and reuse glass bottles. . Contract ASH Wasle- to collect and recyc18 as much as possible. . Use compostable plastic and coffee cups . Switch tts low-énèrgy btjlbs throtjghoul the theatre therever possible. Prohibil the use of wet wipes in the theatre Insisl that any external hirers Use Enviro Skip, recydabbe w comFx>stable receptacle5, and reusable festival glasses. . Request that caterers use I￿￿1 suppliers Use sustainable photocopiers . Reuse printed matter as scrap paper . Ask cornpanies not to send us unwanted printed matter OT magazines by post . Targel mailers and print only the number of leafiels needed for those mailers to reduce landfill . Use email and social media rather Ihan printed matter a$ mtA¢h as possible Reuse banners and advertiwng boards with patches Buy hand wash in bulk and top up exisb.ng dispensers Use non-plasb"c tea bags and composting coffee beans in soil Use 100 /0 recycled toilet paper Use e¢0 versions of cleaning materials Use local suppliers as much as possible . Recommend local businesses and tfwrism lo ¢)ur custome(s Raise funds to insulate ihe roof Page 10 Clonter Fami Muslc Trust Trustees. Report 7. Achi•v•m•nt and Perfornmnce In acknowledgement of its benefi(xal contritxjt￿ to Ihe perf(￿ing arts. the Trust ¥egulady receives testimonials from artists. teachers, heads of the UK Conservatoires. rev￿ from critics and fvnders endorsing the value of this work. 7.1. "1 learned a k)t and am grateful for the platform which was my first attempt at an optrra which has sin¢e taken me all over the woAd" Sir Simon Keenlyside {Clorbterfs President) 7.2. "1 first sang for Clonter as Tatyana in Eugene Onegin as a stu¢Yenl. I was in a vicious circle of rot getting roles because I didn't havè enough experience and Clontei took a chance on me. It was a fantastic learning experience. working wth staff who wanted the best for the singers and the show. This year I sany for Clonler again. taking the risk ol singing a rde that I would not otheMise have had the courage to sing in a different enwronmenl. Ifioletta in La traviats. Once again it was a sharp learnM)g curve f(x me, bui again the conductor and director ￿re fantast￿. I realty bdieve that what Ch)nter do nurturing and promoting your¥J talenl is unique. Next year I will make my debut in a lead role in a major house in the UK. Wthout my ex￿rienCe on stage ihere {Clonterl. and the conla¢t I made, I would nol have taken the path I have done"Lèe Bisset 20QO 7.3. "1 am grateful to Ckjnler albwing me to find my strengihs in one of Donizetti's mosl challenging roles Lucia di Lammemoor whith is a rolè l am sure I wll perfom again and again. Clonter is an extremdy friendly and fun atmosphere lo work in... providing much hospitality and support for the young singèrs they nurture during their b.me there. I would rècommend rt to any young singer with very h(qh regard" Natslya Romaniw 2010 7.4. 'There isn'l any othef company that I can Ihink of Ihat bridges the gap behveen student and professional as well as Clonter. I was fortunate to work for three c(Nnpa￿leS this summer all offering opportunities for young talent or young arlislsl Clonterfs casl was the only one with a full student emerging company. The others say Ihey offei optKxtunity"es to 'young artists, bui m05t ol them have been working professionally for atojt >10 years...Clonter is doing something urjique in our field. The level of guidance from the diwtof was ouistanding clearfy an incredible director but above all. an eduGator. I've never leamed so much Irom doing a rde- stsnding on your two feet to do Ihe live performance- it was like a professional t￿vr$e and performance. Amaing whal can achieve in such a short time of rehearsals...Being able to perfwm a challengtrkg rde in a safe space - I now have this under my bell 8n ready lor a contract to do it again. The p￿ssUre of tloing a role h.ke this straight aw8y would be a scary thought- but at Clonter they guided me Ihrough it wth plenty of one to one coachings and support. The teaffl at Clonter are infftdibly generous. and providè a hard to top environmenl to work in... The ma#i ijiffèrence is the workirvJ environment. Liwng on srte alkjws us to really gel deep into the process and alk)ws us to focu5 entirely...I love Ihat it's a northem company Ihere aren't manyl I love the living site. .you can see how much care and time gjes into cieating this opportunity for us. It offers a professional opportunity for ￿ng singers.Alexandra Lowè 2019 (￿eXandra gwned a place on the Jetto Parker Young A￿st Programmè at The Royal Opera H￿$* in 20201 7.5. Yhe secret of Ckjnterfs ¢onlinuirwJ suecess is that it is bom and maintained out of 8 9enuine love for the art fomi. its origin5. history and future. 11 is a very special place. The rewards a￿ the￿ for all lo see, not only in the splendrd er￿ results in each pr(x1uclion. but in the seeds planted in Ihe fertile ground ol young artist's professh)nal experience. The ROH recently asked me to cover a couple of smaller roles in the new Tumage commission. I've also got an au¢Jition ￿th them at the end of this month wilh a wew lo further possible Y￿rk. Thi5 all came after Elaine Padmore's attendance al the Bntten Theat performance. and so l owe a debt of ￿atitLKle Paul Carey Jonos - La C¢ner•ntola 2010 Page 11 Clonter Fam) Music Trust Trustees. Report 7.6. 'The regular drip ol {on-linel material frc*n Clonter has exceeded many larw arts companies, kept in close touch with its audience and kept faith wth ils performers as well as given new work lo the free-lance film rnaking community- That's all a massive achievèment. I think Ck)nter has ￿SpOnde￿ quicker than most to the new cir¢umstances...V4yn Davies - Conductor- 2020 7.7. 'We appreciate all Ck)nter is doing fcy the stLKlents here at the Rordl Northem College of Music. To have opporttJnitie5 aVailaL￿e for otjr w)ung singews. to bring them frorn C(Alege-level to profeSsic￿al engagemenl, is hugely important. It gives Ihem confidence, employment encouragement. Your generosity arKJ high standards ol both care and training. over many year5, arè ol immense valuè to them" Lynne Daw50n Head ot Vo¢al Studi•s RNCM 7.8. I've directe(I produclions, for all the major UK conservatoires. Irish eollegès and youth opera programmes BYO and for young arb'sts. programmes in opera houses intemationally. The on-site residential climension of Clonter pla￿ a key-role in quickty forming an ensemble atmosphère which yields huge dividends in the linal prodLKtion. Clonter's setting and situation play an important role here. No stars, no special favourites, no pecking order. Remarkable. .It's a raie-if not unw4ue-ethos and one that should be encouraged and SUPP¢Nted. The small. integrated team made for a highly cohesive and effective line-management which. with excellent communirab"on. contributes lo an atmosphere of "can do'.....First-class Colleagues a¢ross the Ixwd. PraCt￿al. sensibk. réaIrst￿ and professional. Michael McCaffery- Direetor 7.9. 'We have worked V￿th the organisahon lor more than five years and each ￿#r our partnership working glows stronger. During that time, we are pleased to have particulady supported their education programme, which provides high qualtty experiences and pathwa￿ inlo arts ¢areers for young people...This comprises a series of arts and education workshops. resulting in the particl￿fitS receiwng their Arts Award Discover. The programme nol onty provide5 unique arts experienGes, also helps young people leam new skills and gain qualrficatK)ns. The oiganisation supports delivery of our Cultural Framework which will be implemented from April 2017... Clonter Fami Music Trust is succeeding in providing Cheshire East residents with high qualty arts progiammin9 and engagemenl.- Amy Lewi$. Cultural Eeonomy Development Manager Cultur•. Vlsitor Economy and Tatton Park. CheshlTe East Council. 7.10. "Jeffery Lockett has d￿6 m￿e for opera in Britain than many better known nam•s" An indefatigable and conscientious auditioner, he has slarted rnany a singerfs career ar￿ Clonter remains thè place to see tomorrtsws top talenl make its first appearance" Robert Thicknesst - Opera Now 7.11. "For those who like lo keep an ear on risiThJ Brilish operatic talent. periodic visits to Clonler Opera are essential. The list of those who have sung thefe since 1974 reads like a Who's Who of CUTreTrt casts in our {and Europe's) leading GompaniÈs"Mlchael Kennedy -The Sunday Telegraph 7.12. "Clonter's track record ￿speakS rts Skill at talenl 5poUing and the value of its away-from-lhe-hothouse enwronment in building skills for future stsr performers... This year's La bohème is no excepbon.... Director Harry Fehr presents Ihe story as Rod(Afo. reluming to the attice in which great formatNe experien¢és of his youlh took IAace ..The set strikes you as S¢X￿ as you sit down...Grace Venning s set striking and evokative_ At Clcnler vor*s are thing and this year they struck 901d. Robert Beale Manchester Theatre Awards 2018 Page 12 Clonler Farm Music Trust Truslees. Report 7.13. Clontsr travAs far and wde for its singers. The seven principals here came from six countries 8rKI four continents. no doubt also testimony to the magnèt that Britain sb"Il provKles for aspiring musicians astonishing success rale of Cknter's protegés since 1974. Nevertheless, Harry Fehr's production was proof of what can sbll be achieved on a b.ght budget. .The absence of ParpTrgnol's PiÈd Piper processKJn had an unÈxpècted benelil.. we were able to locus on Ihe byplay between Musetta and Marcello witholrt distraction...Clive Timms brovghl trus customary aulhority to bear on the Cbnter Sinfonia and it responded with discipline and enthusiasm. In the end, any bu¢Jgetsry privations faded before Fehr'5 successful evocation of nostalgia... Standards were extremely high...Martin Dreyer - Opera Magazine 2018 7.14. 1 believe thal the opportunity Clonter presents is neady singular. at bast in Ihe UK as it offers emerging artists thè chanGe to prepare principa roles withoLrt any Ca￿ats. [...] Numèrous professional development benefrts emil from this simple structure.. including notable CIV experience. connectK)ns with working profÈssKJnals in the IrKlustry. and photography ar￿ Mdto that can be used on websrtes and p￿sentatIonS to agencies etc not to menlion the working experience from pre-production prep. rehearsals. and then showrunnning. Thèse are things that other summer opera programs and even Conservatoire Opera Schools do not offer all of. Because of all these delai15. performing in Albert Heriing h85 been the most fomative stage opportunity I've had since I regularly performed prinapal roles during my bachelor's degree. I think Clonter is very much needed! Clonter is rare in that the produclion planning gives the wheel entirely over lo Ihe casi to ¢arry the show for a substanb.al run of performances. That is excepiionally rare for young prolessionals outside of schools. - Dani•l Kringef - Albèrt. Albert Herr5ng 2022 7.15. Whilst thefe arè other companies, this is one ol the few summer companies which cast all of the roles. including their biggest ones, from young singer5 right at the start of their career in a fully staged run of perfoTmaneÈs wrth an orchestra. arKJ this is sbl rather un￿U8. - Jack Roberts - Tamino. Magic Flute 2023 Page 13 Clonter Farni Music Trust Trustees. Report 8. Future Plans for 2024. 2024 marks thè 501h annlversary of Clonterfs existence. and we will present the most ambitiovs. diverse and accessible programffle to date. includiryj the commissKJning of a new play bwth music- Th• Butterfty House, and the inlroduclion of an extra jazz evenl. (￿d￿n9 a mini-jatt festival. Fundraising events will take place throughout the year in addrtKJn to our annual Friends and Patron's evening. 8.1. Clonler Farm Music Twsl remains committed to Mlenltyng and developing some of the most tslènt8d young opera singers in the UK thrwgh its Emerg4ng Artist pro9ramme which includes the Clont•r Opera Prize competition for 6 singers, nominaled by their colleges to be held in February and a fiITned recital offered to the wimer and runner ijp. Judges on the panel wll indude r8prèsentaiives ol Grove Ar￿.$1 Management. rhe Royal Opera H(￿Se, Glyndebc¥Jme and a fomier Music Director and establishe(l opera singer. A May opera studio and Showcase concert ￿11 be held for sing8rs on the cusp of baving col*, as well as a Novefflber studTrts and h¥0 Golden Anniversary Gala concerts wth orcheslra for more experienced $￿gers. One of the Galas wll be a matinee to be performed on the Clonter stage. 8.2. For Clonter's %lth anniver$3ry surnmèr production Clonter has ryxnmissioned a rw bio-pic play with music about the dramatic life of Giacorno Puuini ¢2lled The Butterfly Hou$¢. The w'ece will include arias from 6 of his best k)ved operas and showcase emerging and earfy career singers of exceptional abilily. The show wll provide the basis ol our opera aUd￿nCe develtspmtnl strategy, making opera accessible for newcomèrs and Inlomative for seasoned opera lovers. A new percussion and piano arrangement has also been commis5K*ned to accompany thÈ p"ece. This show wll be designed to be revived and tour in the future Ènabling cast members to be equally showcased, originale new 8¢ting roles and show their potential lo perfom iconic Pvwni operatic role5 for laiger h(KJses. The whole C￿atiVe process and performances wll be filmed and used to crèate a new interactive educational resource for secondary schools wishin9 to intr(xIU￿ studenls ueati¥e arts careers. 8.3. Filiming Initiatives - Started during the Pandemic, wll be continued. offering singers Mat￿3[ to use for auditions and promotional purpose5 and give our aud￿nCeS on-line access to selected performances and provide valuablè int&racb"ve educatK)nal resojrces. 8.4. Piaf to Pop- Christine Bowll's 5 star show from the Edinburgh Fringe. and well r8¢eivÈd Shows at the Wiltons in London. will be making its debut al Ck)nter in 2024. This follows on from previous well attended Edith Piaf shows at Clonter in the pasl. 8.S. Betty Bannernian Award for French4oTrg - IKinner recital - The wnner of this award is planned to continuè- this n￿lY èstablished tradition ol- giviTrJ a INe recilal, as per pre-covid. in addition to the Prize money- which was endowe(I by Clonlerfs F*ar andiTrJ 31 tkcember 2023 the charity ￿￿S enlitSed to exempbon frcTh audit ￿der section 47T of the compa￿ Act 20C6 r8batirvJ to small ¢￿Panie Trustee s, resF*)nslbKitses'. The members he¥e not requiwed Ihe ch•wity to tibtan ￿ èudit of its aecounts fortr￿ ye•r IN question acctynp8ntes rngime *ilhin Part 15 of t* Comp￿* Act 2￿. cial slatements C￿ pages 21 10.31 *Efe apwoved by thè trustees. arnj aulhorised for issue on N Maihi88 Trustee The notes pag•s 24 to 31 ftym an irrtegr81 part of ltrese frwiri81 ststtrmonts. Page 23 Clonter Fami Music Trust Notes to the Financial Stalements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 1 Accountlng polScles Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statemenls of the charitable company. which is a PL*Jlic benefit entity under FRS 102. have bè8n prepar￿ in accordance wrth the Charities SORP IFRS 1021'AcLounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice appliGable lo Gharities ￿￿parIng their accounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stan(J3rd applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffecbve 1 January 20191.. Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irèland, and the Companies Act 2(#￿. The financ¢al statements havè been prepared under the historical cost convenI￿_ Prin¢iple a¢ti¥ity Clonter Fami Music Trust is an Opera Thea1￿ which supports acbwties for perfomiing arts. Income and endowments l income 15 recognised once the charty has entj'ljement to ihe irthme. it is probable that the in¢om¢ wll be received and the amcwit of the income receivat4e can be rneasu￿d ￿h"a￿ty. Income from donations and grants. induding capital grants and donations. and any (elatèd gift aid. is included in Incoming resources vh)en these are receivable. except when they relate to fulure accounts.ng perithl$ 01 when the donor Igrantors impose pr￿nditionS that have not been met. In these cases the income is deferred Unl￿ the futwe penod andl(x the Gondth"ons havè met. Wherè conditions are imposed which restrict the use of income lo a specth¢ purpose Ihen it is included in incoming resources under reslriGt fvJnd5 when rt is due. Exp&ndt￿r• Liabilities are recognised as expenthture as soon as there is a lega or construcb.ve obligation committing the charity to thal expenditiJrÈ. it Is piobabbe that a Iransfer ol economic benefits WAI be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measure£l reli8iAy. Expenditure is accounted for on an accwals basi5 and has been ¢lassified under headin9S that aggregate all cost related lo the category. Where ￿sts cannot be d1￿C￿Y attributed lo particular headings they have been allocale(I lo activities on a basis consislent with the use of resources. Remaining reslricted perfc¥mance funds have been appNtiCW￿d between produeb.on artists costs and production other direct Costs based on the totsl expenditure put tcgelher. Governance costs These Include the costs alth"bttsble to the tharivs compliance with constitLrtional and stalulory requiremgnts, IndUdu￿ audit. stratogic management and Irustees meetirvJ5 rehrnburse(l expenses. Page 24 Clonter Farni Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Taxation The charity is exempt from corporalion tax on its charitsble actits. The charity is registered for VAT and is only able to recover some of the input tax if is charged. Costs a stated net of VAT were it is charged and irrecoverable VAT is i￿luded in expendiiure under charitable actiwties. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provided at the foNowing annu* rates in order to writè tsff Èach asset over its estimated uselul life. D•pr•clatOon and amortisation Depfeciation is provided on tangible r￿ed asseis so as to write off the cost ￿ valuation. less any estsmated iesidual valtje. over Iheir exp￿ted Usef￿ ecOr￿M￿ lrfe as foll()ws: Asset class Fixture and fitting Depreciation mèthod and rato 20.kn on cost and 10Q/o on cost 50% ￿ cost. 33% on cost and 20% on cost Computer equipment Fund structure Unrestricted in¢tNne funds s￿ 9ener81 funds that are availabk use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives ol the charity. Restricted income funds are th)se donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes. the use of which is reslricled lo that a￿a or t)ur￿. Page 25 Clonter Fami Muslc Trust Notes to the Financial Slatemenls for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 2 Income from other tradlng acti¥it•e5 Total 2023 Total 2022 Fundraising events Sponsorships 6.180 6,540 3.077 5,525 12,720 8.602 3 Investment income Total 2023 Totsl 2022 Interest ￿ceiVed 1,017 169 4 Analysis of govtmance and $upport ¢osts Support costs Total 2023 Total 2022 Theatrè and workshop Other acb'vitses 60,519 73.470 54.087 48.535 133,989 102.622 Other aclivities inckjdes Govemance costs of £23.22712022- £23.159). Support costs are Ihose functions which a5Si5t work of the charity etther by supporting tho ¢JelNery of th8 charitable activities OT by supporting Ihe generalicn of funds. They indude back office functions. freelance staff costs and prolessional fees. Page 26 Clonter Farni Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 S Net incomin￿out90in9 rg$ources Net outyoing resources for the vKlude'. 2023 2022 Depreciation of fixed assets 1.621 1,577 6 Trustees remuneration and expen5e5 No injstees, nor any persons C￿Trected vthh them. have re¢wved any remuneraticffl from the charity during the year. No trustees have received any reimbuw5ed exrenses or arry othw i￿nefitS from the charity during the year. 7 Tanglble fixed assets Long leasehold improvemènt Furniture anql rffting Computer equipment Total Cost Al 1 January 2023 A¢Jdib"ons 201.163 42.247 23.31X) 749 266,710 749 At 31 December 2023 201,163 42.247 24.049 267,459 D¢pr•¢iation At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 201.163 42.247 20.900 1,621 264,310 1.621 201.163 42.247 22.521 265,931 Net book value Al 31 December 2023 1,528 1,528 At 31 December 2022 2.400 2.400 Page 27 Clonter Fami Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 8 Debtors 2023 2022 Prepayments Other debtors 1,557 60.057 43.080 43,080 61.614 9 Creditors: amounts falltng due within onè ￿ar 2023 2022 Trade Creditors Other loans Other taxation and SOCFal securty VAT Other ueditors A¢¢rual$ Deferred income 9,896 35.000 9.477 {7671 3.496 3,466 1,946 6,085 35.000 130 3.706 1,967 46.888 62.514 Page 28 Clonter Fami Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 111 Loans An anatysis of the maturity of loans ts given l)el(sw 2023 2022 Amoun15 fallir4J due vthin or* y*ar on demand.. other loans 35,000 35.000 Assets held unqler finane• ￿3S•S The lenders have agrèèd that their rights to repaymènt should be subordinated to those ol any oiher creditor of the charity. The monie5 have been deposited in a separate interest bearing account and may be drawn doym to support the cashflow needs of Ihe tharty as required. During the year repayments of £Nil were made ￿uMIng in a balance (3ffled forward of £35.(KK) In the evenl Ihal all the b)an is repaid. interest will be Payab￿ lo Ihe lender computod on the folowing basis= lal Any interest eamed by the charity in the separate Interesl*earing account shall be due. Ibl Interes1 at 2°k per annum on any balan￿ transferred from the separate interest-bearing account unbl it is retumed. or until the whole of the loan is repaKI, vthichever is the later date. In Ihe event th81 the wh(Ae loan is not rep8KJ lo wther lern1er. inlerest ent￿ement ￿11 be waived. Page 29 Clonter Fami Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 11 Fund$ Balancè at 31 December 2023 Balance at 1 January 2023 Ineoming resources Resources oxpended Un￿striCted funds General General furKI 136.702 445.373 1480.7941 101,281 Restricted funds Workshops Performances 12.873 40.500 46.500 {53,3731 31.500 15.000 12,873 87.000 84.873 15,000 Totsl funds 149.575 532.373 565.667 116,281 Balance at 31 December 2022 Balance at 1 January 2022 In¢omin9 r•sourc•s Rt$our¢•$ expended Unr•strict•d funds Geneial General fund 155.457 361,810 1380.5651 136,702 Restricted funds Workshiys Perfomiances 84.500 26.000 {71.627} 26,000 12.873 97.627 12.873 Total funds 155.457 472.310 478.192 149,575 P4e 30 Clonter Farm Music Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 12 Related party disclos•rs Chief Exèeutiv•s: AddIt￿nallY. the wmpany ha5 entgred inlo transacti￿5 with Lockett Partners of which A Harman and I Lockeit are partners and sisters of S Farmer. l Lockett is rtow an employee as Joint Ctruef ExecutN8 and General Man890r. One close family member of S Farmer has made loans availaNe lo the ¢harty. as set out in the loan mte [35.{￿ was outstanding at the year end. S Fam7er has financial interest in any of the above transac￿5 and doe5 nol play any part in Board decisions affecting her famity membws arK1 the charty. The trustees believe that all of these arrangements are in Ihe best interest of the charity and allow il io operate effectivdy. Donations= As far as the t￿slee$ art able to determinè thè aggregate va￿È of unrèstricted donab.ons to the charity madè by trustees and olher related parties was £NIL12022 NIL). 13 Restricted Fund The Gharity received restr￿e1 funds of £46.500 during the year12022 £26,C￿oI from Trvsts and grants for Ihe charitable activitses. They aso received resln.cted funds of £ 40.500 durirKJ the year12022 £84.5001 from Trusts and grants for the edu¢ab"onal workshops Page 31 Clonter Farni Music Trust Delailed Ststement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Donations and legaciès Donations Grants 170.052 30.880 127,197 9,907 200,932 137.104 Charitabla a¢tlvltlès Ticket Sales Charitable trust performances- Reslricted Charilable trust perforrnanGes Eitucation workshops-Restricted Education workshops 8ar and ¢atorin9 Programme sales and advertising Theatre hire Theatre Tax rdief Other income 134.562 46,500 32,861 40.500 82,704 26.000 17,897 84,500 17.708 8.517 842 49.353 37,106 1,808 13.935 2.828 18,418 23.071 5,029 317.704 326.435 Other trading activities Sponsorship Fundraising event 6,540 6,180 5,525 3.077 12.720 8,602 InvÈstment Income Interest on ￿5h deposits 1.017 169 1.017 169 Raising funds Bad debts wrttten Dff 1,130 1.130 Charitable activities Advertising Bank charges Bank intèrèst payab Fundraisin9 expenses Depreciation of office equipment (54.424) {5.6951 161 {3.6001 11,6211 (19,7401 (4,632 1141 (3.9001 (2.8571 This page doès mt fomi part of the statutory financial stslements. Page 32 Clonter Farm Music Trust Detailed Ststement of Financial Actlvities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Irrecoverable VAT ProduclKins - arb'sts and free1ar￿e-ReStritted Productions - artisls and freelance-Restrrted Productions - artist5 and freelance ProduclK)ns - other direct Workshop- artists freelance-Restricted Workshop- artlsts and freelance Workshop- other direct Bar and catèring Front ol house costs Opera prize-Restricted Opera prize Theatre & premises-Restricted Theatre & premises Audition Fundraising wages P&M Cost expenses Freelance siaff costs Office and other (x)sts Accountancy fees Bookkeeping {19,201) I30,0￿)) 125.0001 144,3791 162.1751 123.5001 114.8101 16.8181 116.1001 14.3331 129,5Crt)I (103.4421 168,3561 153,3731 4.778 16,1231 112,9681 12,8241 12.0001 11.6411 13,0001 18,1271 172,4721 13.6851 18.7021 139.2421 13,5521 19,2061 119.6821 160,5191 150.2431 13.3601 19.867 $4,087} 125,376) 13,850} 19.309 565.667 477,062 This page ths rK)t fcffih part of Ihe ststutory h)ancial ststements. 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