Registered Charity Number 1143751
West-Eastern Divan Trust UK
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
84 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PX www.pwwsolicitors.co.uk
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THE WEST-EASTERN DIVAN TRUST UK
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
TRUSTEES:
PRINCIPAL OFFICE:
Mr Daniel Barenboim Lord Palumbo ( retired June 2024) Mr Jakob Stott
84 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PX
CORRESPONDENT:
SOLICITORS:
Mrs Christina Tyson Pothecary Witham Weld 84 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PX
Pothecary Witham Weld 84 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PX
BANKERS:
CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling ME19 4JQ
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THE WEST-EASTERN DIVAN TRUST UK
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
INTRODUCTION
The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
The Board of Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity during the year and the position at 31[st] December 2024 and consider that the charity is in a strong position to continue its activities during the coming year. They equally consider the charity’s assets to be adequate to fulfil its objectives.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The West-Eastern Divan Trust UK is an unincorporated charitable trust governed by a Deed dated the 13[th] of May 2011 and amended on the 26[th] of August 2011.
Appointment of new trustees is by invitation of the existing Trustees.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of the signature of the financial statements were :
Mr Daniel Barenboim Lord Palumbo (retired June 2024) Mr Jakob Stott
Lord Palumbo retired as a Trustee in June 2024 and the Trust are recruiting another Trustee to replace him.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Trustees must pay due regard to the guidance provided by the Charity Commission on public benefit. The charitable objectives of the charity are set out in its governing document and summarised below:
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(a) the promotion, support and encouragement of the arts and culture and in particular music;
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(b) the advancement of education in particular but not exclusively musical education;
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(c) the promotion of religious and racial harmony and the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation for the public benefit by:
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a. advancing education and raising awareness about different religious and racial groups to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups;
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b. working towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of religion or race; and
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c. promoting knowledge and mutual understanding between different religious and racial groups through artistic and cultural endeavours by the support of such charitable activities of the Daniel Barenboim Stiftung, Germany and
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West-Eastern Divan Orchestra as Trustees shall think fit.
The West-Eastern Divan Trust UK does not implement projects directly but facilitates fundraising to fulfil the above-mentioned objectives.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE OF WEDO IN 2024 AND PLANNED ACTIVITY FOR 2025
With the 25[th] anniversary of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, 2024 was a special year with a total of ten concerts in Europe's most prestigious concert halls under the baton of Maestro Daniel Barenboim. At the same time, this anniversary year was heavily overshadowed by the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and the brutal retaliation by the Israeli army in Gaza. The first meeting after the escalation of the political situation in the Middle East took place in April 2024 on the occasion of the anniversary concert in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, which had been sold out weeks in advance. Despite the difficult atmosphere, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra performed a programme featuring Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto Op. 64 and Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 in front of 2,331 visitors on 15 April. The concert featured soloist Yamen Saadi, who has been playing in the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra since the age of 11 and is now concertmaster of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra.
Under the baton of Maestro Daniel Barenboim, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra (WEDO) undertook another summer tour this year, with stops at the Musikfest Bremen, the Lucerne Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Rheingau Music Festival, the Waldbühne Berlin, and the BBC Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall. Star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter accompanied the orchestra on this tour as soloist in Johannes Brahms' Violin Concerto. In the second half of the concert, the orchestra thrilled the audience with Schubert's "Great" Symphony No. 9. The openair Waldbühne concert took place in summer rain in front of an audience of almost 16,000. However, the highlight of the summer tour was the performance at the majestic Royal Albert Hall at the BBC Proms, where the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra has been a guest since 2003.
In October and November 2024, the orchestra gathered once again for an autumn tour with three concerts and a programme featuring the Fourth Symphonies by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (the "Italian") and Johannes Brahms. The autumn tour took the orchestra to Munich's Isarphilharmonie, to Leipzig's Gewandhaus for the first time, and back to London – this time to the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre.
In order to provide humanistic support and encouragement to the musicians during this politically and mediatically charged time, the Daniel Barenboim Foundation organised workshops and discussions parallel to the musical rehearsals, with the aim of enabling people to talk about the situation in the Middle East and their personal perspectives in a respectful, trusting and protected space. These events usually took place after rehearsals, followed by a meal together to encourage further personal exchange. Israeli and Palestinian representatives of groups such as "The Parents Circle" (parents who have lost children to the conflict) and "Combatants for Peace" (former combatants who have taken a pacifist path) were invited to share their experiences and support the musicians. These discussions testified to the emotionality and humanity of all participants, but also to their resilience and their determination to uphold the message of "dialogue through music" despite, and precisely because of, the most challenging times. Each rehearsal phase was marked by several such encounters.
The West-Eastern Divan Ensemble performed several individual concerts and outreach events in 2024 under the direction of Michael Barenboim. This year's programme included works by Franz Schubert (Octet in F major; String Trio in B flat major), Wolfgang A. Mozart (Clarinet Quintet), Pierre Boulez (Anthèmes I for solo violin), Fanny Mendelssohn (String Quartet in E flat major), Antonin Dvorak (String Quartet "American", F major) and Ludwig van Beethoven (Septet in E flat major). A particular highlight was the ensemble's performance at the opening ceremony
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of the Munich Security Conference on 16 February 2024, which brought them considerable attention and visibility in the national and international press. The performances at the state ceremony for the occasion of the funeral for Dr Wolfgang Schäuble, former President of the Bundestag and German minister, in Berlin Cathedral and in the plenary hall of the German Bundestag, were also of great significance, as was the performance at the Amnesty International Human Rights Award ceremony at the Maxim Gorki Theatre in Berlin.
Perform ances of the West- Eastern Divan Orchestra
| 15.04.2024 | 20:00 | Berliner Philharm onie – Anniversary Concert Felix Mendelssohn Violinkonzert op. 64 Anton Bruckner Sinfonie Nr. 4 WAB 104 |
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| 7.8.2024 | 19:30 | Die Glocke Brem en Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 9.8.2024 | 20:00 | Waldbühne Berlin Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 11.8.2024 | 19:30 | Royal Albert Hall London Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 13.8.2024 | 19:00 | Rheingau Musik Festival Wiesbaden Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 15.8.2024 | 20:00 | Großes Festspielhaus Salzburger Festspiele Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 18.8.2024 | 19:30 | Lucerne Festival Brahms, Violinenkonzert Schubert, Symphony Nr. 9 „The Great” |
| 31.10.2024 | 20:00 | Isarphilharm onie München Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy — 4. Sinfonie A-Dur "Italienische" Johannes Brahms — 4. Sinfonie e-Moll op. 98 |
| 2.11.2024 | 19:30 | Gewandhaus Leipzig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy — 4. Sinfonie A-Dur "Italienische" Johannes Brahms — 4. Sinfonie e-Moll op. 98 |
| 4.11.2024 | 19:30 | Royal Festival Hall London Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy — 4. Sinfonie A-Dur "Italienische" Johannes Brahms — 4. Sinfonie e-Moll op. 98 |
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Perform ances of the West- Eastern Divan Ensem bles (incl. Outreach Events)
| 21.01.2024 | 15:00 | Staatstheater Darm stadt Franz Schubert, Streichtrio in B-Dur D.581 Pierre Boulez, Anthèmes I für Violine solo Franz Schubert, Oktett F-Dur D 803 |
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| 22.01.2024 | 13:00 | Berliner Dom , Mem orial Service Franz Schubert, Oktett F-Dur D 803, V. Minuetto Plenarsaal, Deutscher Bundestag Staatsakt für Herrn Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, Bundestagspräsident a. D. Wolfgang A. Mozart, Klarinettenquintett K 581, II. Larghetto |
| 15:00 | ||
| 16.02.2024 | 13:40 | Eröffnungsfeier Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz Fanny Mendelssohn, Streichquartett in Es-Dur (1.Satz) |
| 28.02.2024 | 19:30 | Pierre Boulez Saal Konzert anlässlich Frank Gehrys 95. Geburtstag Franz Schubert, Oktett F-Dur D 803 |
| 08.05.2024 | 18:00 | Rathaus Augsburg Preisverleihung Marion- Sam uel- Preis Antonin Dvorak, Terzetto C-Dur |
| 04.06.2024 | 20:00 | Maxim - Gorki- Theater Berlin, Preisverleihung 12. Am nesty International Menschenrechtspreis Antonin Dvorak, Quartett „Amerikanisches“, I. Allegro ma non troppo |
| 18.06.2024 | 17:00 | Robert Bosch Stiftung, Berlin Antonin Dvorak, Streichquartett „Amerikanisches“, F-Dur, op. 96 I. Allegro ma non troppo IV. Finale. Vivace ma non troppo |
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| 05.07.2024 | 13:00 | Insel Mainau, Palace Meadow Nobelpreisträgertagung Ludwig van Beethoven, Septett in Es-Dur, op.20 |
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| 10.10.2024 | 15:00 | Blenheim Palace, London The Galileo Foundation Antonin Dvorak, Streichquartett „Amerikanisches“, F-Dur, op. 96 II. Lento |
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
2025 began with a 3 week spring tour of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra to China featuring a total of 5 concerts in 4 different cities (Beijing, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou) as well as 3 concerts in Europe including at the Konzerthaus Wien, the Royal Victoria Hall in Geneva and the MUPA, Budapest.
A tour of South America of the West-Eastern Divan Ensemble, with stops in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, will take place during 2025.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Trust’s work is dependent on income from donors. The key financial indicators for the year are:
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Income £101,302 (2023: £170,683)
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Expenditure amounted to £141,607 (2023: £20,528).
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Total funds at the end of the year were £115,916 (2023: £156,221)
Reserves policy
The free reserves at 31 December 2024 amounted to £115,916 (2023: £156,221)
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity’s Trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
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:
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- e make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; M z e statematerialwhetherdeparturesapplicablethat must accounting be disclosedstandardsand explainedhave beenin followed,the finar cial Subjectstatements;to: any’ e prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the charity will continue in business.
ThereasonableTrusteesaccuracyare responsibleat any timeforthekeepingfinancialproperpositionaccountingof the charityrecordsand thatto enabledisclogethemwithto ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust's deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. | i IL ts The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial ; information included on the charity's website in accordance with legislation! in the Uhited Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements. |: | 7 ppproves by the Trustees on 04.10.20 >2026 arid sig sd on thei Hehatf *
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE WEST-EASTERN DIVAN TRUST UK FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 10 to 14.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
| report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, | have followed alt the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: or
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e the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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e the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
| 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.
Colin Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA
Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF
Date: .O./16)202.....
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THE WEST-EASTERN DIVAN TRUST UK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Income from: Donations Interest 4 Total Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total Net income (expenditure) Reconciliation of Funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Income Fund £ 101,181 121 101,302 - 141,607 141,607 (40,305) 156,221 115,916 |
Total 2024 £ 101,181 121 101,302 - 141,607 141,607 (40,305) 156,221 115,916 |
Total 2023 £ 170,670 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170,683 14,324 6,204 |
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| 20,528 | |||
| 150,155 | |||
| 6,066 | |||
| 156,221 |
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} BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
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:
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:
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| : | Fund | ||||
i * |
Notes | £ | |||
| CURRENTASSETS | |||||
| - Gash atbank and In Hand ; TotaCurrentAssets 4 |
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one : year |
7 | 116,612 116,612 (696) |
116,612 116,612 (696) |
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| "NETCURRENTASSETS | 115,916 | 415,916 | 156,221 | ||
| ' | TOTAL ASSETS.LESS | 415,916 | 115,916 | 156,221 | |
| : | CURRENT-LIABILITIES | ||||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | |||||
| . | |||||
| FUNDS OF: THE | |||||
| CHARITY ::. |
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| _ | Unrestricted incomefund | 115,916 | 115,916 | 156,221 | |
| _ | TOTAL FUNDS | 8 | 115,916 | 115,916 | 186,224 |
| ApprovedbytheTrusteeson | OF,[oO | 2025 andsigned | signed on theirbehalf | ||
| had | |||||
| Trustee | . | ||||
| . } |
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| : | 11 | . |
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THE WEST-EASTERN DIVAN TRUST UK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention and standards
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the trust deed , the Charities Act 2011, FRS102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”(“FRS 102” and the Charities SORP “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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102
Going Concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Fund structure
The charity funds are wholly unrestricted and comprise an income fund.
Income
Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity becomes entitled to receipt. Donations are taken into account on receipt.
Offsetting
There has been no offsetting of assets or liabilities, or income or expenditure.
Expenditure
Expenditure is stated at the amount paid during the accounting period.
Grants payable are charged in the year in which the offer is conveyed to the recipient.
Governance and Support Costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs comprise the costs of running the charity.
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Investment income
Bank Interest received is included on an actual receipts basis.
Taxation
As a registered charity, the organisation is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2. TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTIES
None of the Trustees receive any remuneration from the Trust.
3. WINDING UP OR DISSOLUTION OF THE CHARITY
If upon winding up or dissolution of the charity there remain any assets, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, the assets represented by the accumulated fund shall be transferred to some other charitable body or bodies having similar objects to the charity.
| 4. INCOME Donations Interest on short term deposits 5. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES Expenditure on fund raising activities |
2024 £ 101,181 121 101,302 2024 £ nil nil |
2023 £ 170,670 13 |
|---|---|---|
| 170,683 | ||
| 2023 £ 14,324 14,324 |
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6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
The charity undertakes its charitable activities through grant making
| Grants £ Charitable activities 135,000 135,000 7. CREDITORS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Independent examiner’s fee |
Support & governance costs £ 6,607 6,607 |
Total 2024 £ 141,607 141,607 2024 £ 696 _ 696 _ |
Total 2023 £ 6,204 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6,204 | |||
| 2023 £ 660 _ 660 _ |
8. SUMMARY OF FUNDS – CURRENT YEAR
| Unrestricted income fund |
Brought forward £ 156,221 156,221 |
Income resources £ 101,302 101,302 |
Resources expended £ (141,607) (141,607) |
Carried forward £ 115,916 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115,916 |
SUMMARY OF FUNDS – PRIOR YEAR
| Unrestricted income fund |
Brought forward £ 6,066 6,066 |
Income resources £ 170,683 170,683 |
Resources expended £ (20,528) (20,528) |
Carried forward £ 156,221 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156,221 |
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