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← London Philharmonic Choir

2024-08-31-accounts

Charity number: 1093455 Company number: 4463793

THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1

THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

CONTENTS

Trustees’ annual report

Independent examiner’s report

Statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Notes to the accounts

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

___________

The trustees of The London Philharmonic Choir (“the Choir”) are the directors for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 and are pleased to present the report and unaudited accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024.

The unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts, and comply with the Choir’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, and 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 effective 1 January 2019 (‘the Charities SORP (FRS 102)’).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Choir's principal aim and objective is to promote, improve, develop and maintain education in the appreciation and knowledge of the art and science of music by the presentation of public concerts. In order to achieve this, the Choir gives public choral performances, principally but not exclusively, in association with professional orchestras; it also promotes, organises and/or performs in other cultural and educational activities relevant to the study and appreciation of music, and undertakes such other things in furtherance of its objectives, or which are conducive or incidental thereto.

Membership of the Choir is subject to audition initially and on an ongoing basis, to maintain the Choir's high standards. Auditions are open to all and members are not required to pay an annual subscription. The members receive no remuneration and give their time for free.

The Choir affords members the opportunity to rehearse and perform together to a very high standard and regularly performs with world class conductors and orchestras at public venues in the UK and abroad. The Choir has a current membership of around 300 singers but the numbers performing on any given occasion vary according to the venue and repertoire concerned.

In addition to large scale concerts, performances are sometimes given in smaller-scale venues which both extends the audience base and gives members a chance to explore and develop in different repertoire. The Choir also engages in relevant charity and educational activities in furtherance of its objectives.

The Choir’s purposes are for the public benefit and the trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The 2023-24 season programme saw the Choir performing alongside the LPO in six concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, and commenced with Mahler’s well-loved Symphony no. 2 under the baton of Edward Gardner, and Symphony no. 3 conducted by Sir Mark Elder. The Choir also performed in Haydn’s The Creation and Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, both conducted by Edward Gardner. The Choir joined the LPO in April for Wagner’s Gotterdammerung conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, and in May for Beethoven’s muchloved Symphony No 9.

Other appearances for the Choir included Mozart’s Requiem and a programme of Christmas music, both at the Royal Festival Hall, and performing a live soundtrack to the feature film Amadeus, screened at the Royal Albert Hall.

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

___________

The season concluded with two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the 2024 season of the BBC Proms, the first of which was Busoni’s piano concerto, again appearing alongside the LPO under the baton of Edward Gardner. The Choir also appeared in both performances of the Dr Who Prom concert which was also aired on BBC television over the festive season.

During the 2023-24 season the Choir has maintained a strong membership base, and continues to focus on engagement with existing members and recruiting new members to ensure the future of the Choir. The Choir seeks to engage on a regular basis with the London Youth Choirs who have performed alongside the Choir on several occasions, giving those young people the opportunity to observe the Choir in rehearsal and performance and perform with top class orchestras and conductors. During the year some 300 younger students performed alongside the Choir in a concert of Christmas music at the Royal Festival Hall, and, on the recommendation of the Choir, older students joined the LPO in a performance of Holst’s The Planets conducted by Edward Gardner at the Royal Festival Hall.

Individuals seeking to join the Choir are welcomed at a trial rehearsal and then encouraged to audition. Applicants for auditions come from a very wide range of backgrounds, and include singers who want to develop their interest in choral music, as well as some more experienced singers seeking to widen their repertoire and experience under the expert guidance of the Choir's Artistic Director and Associate Chorus Director. The Choir affords members the opportunity to enjoy performing well known pieces in person with world class orchestras under the diverse direction of world class conductors, and continues to offer the challenge of exploring new or less well known works.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year income from donations, charitable activities and investments amounted to £86,928, decreased from £93,542 for the year ended 31 August 2023. This decrease was due principally to a reduction in fees from performances given and tour contributions.

Expenditure on charitable activities and governance costs for the year amounted to £66,951, a decrease from £84,645 for the year ended 31 August 2023, principally as the result of a reduction in direct performance costs, partially offset by an increase in support costs.

The net income for the year and net movement in funds amounted to £19,977 (2023: £8,897). The balance of funds, which were all unrestricted funds, stood at £164,797 at the balance sheet date (2023: £144,820).

The trustees are responsible for the management of risks faced by the Choir. They consider that the major risks are that the level of Choir membership and the high standard of performances given is not maintained, and that fee-paying performance opportunities for the Choir are not available. They have taken steps to mitigate exposure to these risks. They are continuing to focus on recruitment and retention of members and bringing through the next generation of choral singers. They are also continuing to focus on maintaining the current high performance standards through continued expert choral coaching and direction, and are maintaining and developing relationships with orchestras and promoters to provide performance opportunities. The Trustees’ policy is to seek to hold £160,000 in unrestricted funds as free reserves. These are to enable the Choir to fund a number of concerts and ongoing costs during periods when fee-paying concerts may not be provided by orchestras or promoters, and to fund currently unidentified opportunities, which will be assessed for their suitability on a case by case basis.

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

___________

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

In February 2024 the Choir announced the retirement of its esteemed Artistic Director, Neville Creed, at the end of the 2024-25 season after a distinguished tenure of 30 years. Neville’s unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions have played a pivotal role in the Choir’s remarkable journey and outstanding musical achievements. He will maintain a connection with the Choir in the new position of Chorus Director Emeritus.

Working with the artistic leadership of the LPO, the trustees established a succession plan to ensure continued musical success as the Choir approaches its 80[th] birthday. During 2024 Victoria Longdon was appointed as Associate Chorus Director to work alongside Neville Creed in his final season, and to focus on the vocal health of Choir members and bringing through the next generation of choral singers. In the Spring of 2025 Madeleine Venner was appointed as Chorus Director to take over from Neville at the end of the 2024-25 season, to ensure a seamless transition and continuation of artistic excellence.

The 2024-25 season involves a diverse programme of new and established works for the Choir, performing alongside the LPO in four major concerts at the Royal Festival Hall. The season commenced with a performance of Rachmaninoff’s The Bells conducted by Edward Gardner, followed by a performance of Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw and Shostakovich’s Symphony No 13 conducted by Andrey Boreyko. In the new year the Choir performed Haydn’s Mass in Time of War together with John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls in a concert conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. At the end of April the Choir performed in Mahler’s epic Symphony No 8 conducted by Edward Gardner.

In addition to these concerts with the LPO the Choir has also performed Vivaldi’s Gloria and will be performing Handel’s Messiah, both conducted by Neville Creed at the Royal Festival Hall. Other performances for the 2024-25 season include Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 at the Royal Albert Hall and a programme of soundtrack music at the London Soundtrack Festival’s gala concert. The Choir was joined again by some 300 LYC students in a concert of Christmas music at the Royal Festival Hall.

The Choir has plans for a busy and exciting 2025-26 season under the leadership of its new Chorus Director, including performances with the LPO at the Royal Festival Hall. The Choir continues to maintain and develop relationships with orchestras and promoters, and to focus on recruitment and retention of members, and maintaining consistently high performance standards.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Choir is a Charitable Company registered in England and Wales and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 28 April 2014, as amended by special resolutions passed on 19 June 2024, and is limited by guarantee.

The Choir is managed by a committee of members, who fulfil specific roles as determined from time to time. All of the committee members are trustees and directors of the charitable company. Committee members are elected to the committee by Choir members, and appointed as trustees and directors, at the Annual General Meeting, to hold office for the period of one year. In the event of a trustee resigning mid-year, a replacement may be elected by members, or appointed by the trustees, to hold office until the following AGM. The committee resigns office at each AGM, and all committee members are eligible for re-election as trustees in accordance with the company’s constitution.

Upon appointment, new committee members are provided with a copy of the Choir Rules, Memorandum and Articles of Association, most recent statutory accounts and minutes of recent committee meetings,

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

___________

and a formal handover takes place with the former holder of their post. Informal training and induction is provided to new committee members by existing committee members on an ongoing basis, and particularly so during the first six months of their appointment.

The Choir’s Artistic Director, Chorus Director, Associate Chorus Director and piano accompanists receive fees in their professional capacity from the Choir. Choir members who are not trustees provide help and assistance with the day to day running of the Choir. No committee member or Choir member is remunerated by the Choir, but expenditure incurred by committee members and other Choir members in fulfilling their obligations to the Choir may be reimbursed.

The trustees are familiar with the Charity Code of Governance and are seeking to apply the principles and recommendations therein to improve existing governance within the charitable company. During the year amendments were made to the Company’s Articles of Association to support diversity, equality and inclusion, and to strengthen organisational and financial governance.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Charity no: 1093455 Company no: 4463793
Registered office and principal address Independent Examiner
Hinde Street Methodist Church James Cross
19 Thayer Street For and on behalf of
London W1U 2QJ Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Chartered Accountants
Secretary 9 Appold Street
Joy Lee London EC2A 2AP

Secretary Joy Lee

The current trustees, and those who served during the year, together with their roles on the committee are noted below. There are no corporate trustees.

Tessa Bartley Chair (re-appointed June 2024)
Natasha Yousefzadeh Naghdi Sofla Choir Manager (appointed June 2024)
Bethea Hanson-Jones Choir Manager (resigned June 2024)
Joy Lee Honorary Secretary (appointed June 2024)
Martyn Atkins Honorary Secretary (resigned June 2024)
Susan Thomas Honorary Treasurer (re-appointed June 2024)
Jennifer Cresswell Marketing Manager (re-appointed June 2024)
Danielle Roman Membership Manager (appointed June 2024)
Joy Lee Membership Co-ordinator (resigned June 2024)

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also directors of The London Philharmonic Choir for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom New Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.)

Company law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (‘THE COMPANY’)

_______________

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 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 respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). 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 Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

M ons Kaye Look. LU James Cross FCA DChA For and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP

Chartered Accountants 9 Appold Street London EC2A 2AP

Date 20 May 2025

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Note 2024 2023
£ £
Unrestricted Funds
Income and Endowments from:-
Charitable activities 2 85,273 92,882
Investments 1,655 660
Total Income 86,928 93,542
Expenditure on:-
Charitable activities 3 66,951 84,645
Total Expenditure 66,951 84,645
Net income for the year and net movement in funds 19,977 8,897
Total funds brought forward (all unrestricted funds) 144,820 135,923
Total funds carried forward (all unrestricted funds) 164,797 144,820

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARAMfEE) NOTES TO THE ACCOUPITS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGusf 2024 2024 2023 5,971 31,236 143,176 31.139 124,750 at b￿￿ •M1 kn haml iJ43 158,026 Llablllile5 (10,546) (13,2￿) Total net as•ots 164,797 144,820 Funds 164.797 144,&X) 164,797 144.B20 477 of tre CoMp￿0e5 kt 2Crf)6. (li) fina-￿31 ststttrnrts YAMth gr•e a arKI far of State of aftalr5 of the Ch￿th CoM￿J1ry as at the end of 11n￿ year, cl rts rnyne and the flrorKial ￿r, in acctytsrKe req￿￿en￿ts of kn 394 rdJllr¥J to KaX￿ts, ￿ fw as aFal to ts (harratAe Coffpany. The axthrts havo bean praparod in wih ts swial rthing to wnal ccTrpan wthn Part 15 01 ts Compxs kt. AuthcNlsal fcr t<wd ￿ Iq 4L 3925 10

THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 effective 1 January 2019 (“the Charities SORP (FRS 102)”), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland effective 1 January 2019 (“FRS 102”).

The financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest pound.

The Choir continues to maintain engagement with its strong membership base and attract new members, and has plans in place to maintain high performance standards. It has plans for future performance opportunities and has significant unrestricted reserves. The trustees are satisfied with the Choir’s ability to continue as a going concern and the accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. As the charity has only one charitable activity, all support costs are allocated to that charitable activity. Governance costs represent the costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

f Transactions in foreign currencies Transactions in foreign currencies included in the statement of financial activities are translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transactions. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the closing rates at the balance sheet date and exchange differences are included in the statement of financial activities.

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within s 466-493 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and s 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2 Income from charitable activities

Performance fees and royalties
Tour contributions
Income from sale and hire of music and related products		 2024
2023
£
£
82,514
86,544
-
3,120
2,759
3,218
85,273
92,882

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

3 Expenditure on charitable activities

Performance Costs
Direct Costs
Choir Conductors and Accompanists
Hall Hire
Music Costs
Other performance costs
Transport and travel costs
Support Costs
AGM and board meeting costs
Bank charges and interest
Choir welfare
Independent examination
Insurance and subscriptions
Legal Fees
Marketing and promotion
Miscellaneous expenses
Music library costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Transportation and travel
Other Costs
Music and related products sold/hired
Donations
Total Costs		 Direct
Support
Total
Total
Costs
Costs
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
50,387
12,735
63,122
81,720
26,020
39,474
19,610
28,694
1,607
553
3,150
175
-
3,276
50,387
72,172
Governance
Governance
Total
element
Total
element
2024
2024
2023
2023
265
265
258
258
35
-
50
-
991
-
2,427
-
3,300
3,300
3,000
3,000
611
-
579
-
2,583
2,583
-
-
1,754
-
484
-
46
13
13
13
2,717
-
2,599
-
294
-
138
139
-
-
-
12,735
6,161
9,548
3,271
2024
2023
1,429
1,038
2,400
1,887
3,829
2,925
£
66,951
£
84,645		 Total
2023
£
81,720
39,474
28,694
553
175
3,276
72,172
Governance
element
2023
258
-
-
3,000
-
-
-
13
-
-
3,271
2023
1,038
1,887
2,925

During the year a donation of £2,000 was made to the London Youth Choirs Chamber Choir scholarship fund (2023: £1,800), £250 to Gabrieli Roar and £150 to Halle Connect (2023: £87 to Crisis, relating to royalties earned from sales of the Choir’s recording of Paul Fincham’s Ring the Bells).

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THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

4 Staff costs; trustees’ remuneration, benefits and expenses; related party transactions

There were no employees during the year. Trustees, who are considered to be key management personnel, and other Choir members involved in the day to day running of the Choir give their time for free. None of the trustees received remuneration during the year. Expenditure incurred by trustees and other Choir members in fulfilling their obligations to the Choir may be reimbursed. During the year two trustees were reimbursed expenses incurred for transportation and travel, hospitality and communications software subscription totalling £90 (2023: three trustees were reimbursed expenses incurred for transportation and communications software subscription totalling £26).

Trustees engage in Choir activities on the same basis as other members. During the year the charity received no donations from trustees (2023: the charity received no donations from trustees). There were no other related party transactions requiring disclosure during the year.

5 Debtors

Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 256 262
Prepayments and accrued income 5,715 545
5,971 807

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

6 Investments and Cash at bank and in hand

Investments comprise bank deposits with a maturity of less than one year from the balance sheet date and are valued at the realisable amount at the balance sheet date.

Cash at bank and in hand comprises cash and bank deposits held to meet short term commitments and are valued at the amount of cash held.

7 Creditors

7 Creditors
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors - 6,000
Taxation and social security 7,007 2,610
Accruals and deferred income 9,539 4,596
16,546 13,206

Creditors are measured at their settlement amount.

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