midsummer music Charity Number 1145873 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the period 01 January 2024- 31 December 2024 Charit$ principal address: 56 Severalls Avenue Buckinghamshire Chesham HP5 3EL
MIDSUMMER MUSIC Charity Number 1145873 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the period 01 January 2024- 31 December 2024 ChariWs principal address: 56 Severalls Avenue Chesham 8uckin8hamshire HPS 3EL Names of the charity trustees who rnanage the charity: Sirjeremy Dixon- Chair Mrs Bjorg Lewis- Artistic Director Mr Christopher Aldren Name of senior member of staff: Mrs Madeleine Lister {Mattarl - Festival Dlrector Midsummer Muslc's governing document is a Trust Deed, whlch was executed on 21 December 2011. The objects of the charity as set out in its governing document are: Yo advance, improve, develop and maintain publlc educatlon In and appreclatlon of the art of muslc through the presentatlon of publlc concerts and recitals, and for such other purposes as shall be exclusively charitable, asthe trustees may from time to time decide." The Charitable Trust is admin istered by three trustees. The trustee5 are appointed or re-appointed by the existing trustees. At the forefront of the trustees, decision-makin& is a commitment to the guidance issued by the Charity Comrnisslon on publlc benefit. In 2023, the three trustees all gave their time voluntarily and received no remuneration or other benefits in the period. The main focus of Midsummer Musids work is to produce an annual chamber music festival. This led by two Artisttc Oirectors". the pianist, Paul Lewis and the lI15t, Bjorg Lewis (also a trusteel, both of whom are internationally-renowned concert musicians and award-winning recordin8 artists. The Artistic Directors received no remuneration or other benefit in the period - either fortheir work in planning the festival, or as fees for perforrning at the festival. The Festival Direttor, Madeleine Lister (Mattar) is self-employed. The Festival Directorfs responsibilities include all administration, charitable compliance, fund-raisin& financial management, marketing, ticket sales, festival production and general management.
Midsummer Muslc In 2024 th 2024 was a significant yearfor Midsummer Music: its 15 anniversary and the production of its 15th International Chamber Music Festival. The Midsummer Music Launch Concert was the first event of the year. It was held on 12 April at St. Marfs Church in Old Amersham. This isthe venue the festival itself has been held in for the past six years. It was particularly nice to be able to bringthis event backto its local setting and the audience which sustains it from year to year. It was also heartening to reach many new audience members and glve them to a taste of what happens in June at the fe5tSval itself. The concerts opened wlth Artistic Director and cellist Bjorg Lewis together with Madeleine Mattar at the piano They played a selection of Schubert songs: Im Friihling, Auf dem Wasser zu Singen, Gretchen am Splnnrade and Stanchen. Then, the Artistic Director and world-renowned pianist Paul Lewis played two major Schubert Sonatas: D784 In A minor and D959 in A major. The evening ended with a reception at which the audience and artists could mingle. It is the first opportunity of the year to connect with loyal audience members and those discovering Mldsumrner Music for the first time. It encourages valuable donations and raise5 the profile of the festival yet to happen in June. Midsummer Music's June festival was held from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 June. It was the 15th edition and had something of a celebratory feel to it. Ticket prices were held for a further year at £30 and £20 with £6 tickets for those aged 18 and under. It has always been the intentlon to keep Midsummer Music as affordable as possible so that it is accessible to all. An accomplished team of musicians of the highest stature were chosen by Paul and Biorg Lewis and th assembled to participate in the festival and share the concerts. The 15 edition seemed like the perfect momentto invite back some of the artists who had played at Midsummer Music many times before such as Imogen Cooper, Mark Padmore, Leon Bosch and Vertavo String Quartet, as well as several new artists. Here is the complete list of musicians: Leon Bosch double bass Imogen Cooper piano Kenny Keppel clarinet Juliana Koch oboe Biorg Lewis cello Paul Lewis piano Mark Padmore tenor Éiisabeth Pion piano Julie Price bassoon Alexei Watkins horn Vertavo string quartet As in previous years, five concerts were given over three days. A broad range of significant chamber music pieces were showcased, featuring works from Bach to Beethoven to Benjamin Britten to Louise Adolpha le Beau to Richard Rodney Bennett. Here is just a selection of the works programmed in 2024: POULENC Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano RAVEL String Quartet SMETANA Aus meinem Leben String Quartet
SCHUMANN Dichterliebe Op. 48 RICHARD RODNEY BENNETh Tom O'Bedlarn's Song SCHUBERT Piano Sonatas D537, D958, D960 FAURE La bonne chanson Op. 61 for tenor, piano and string quartet LOUISE ADOLPHE LE BEAU Piano Quartet Op. 28 BENJAMIN BRirrEN String Quartet BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5 in piano and string quartet arrangement This list gives a good idea of the range of composers. styles and periods represented. It's such a unique feature of Midsummer Music that the programming draws together works for many dlfferent instruments and combinations. Often these juxtapositions can help to create an eclectic and unique listening experience. It is also a privilege to witness the artistic interplay between musicians of such integrity and excellence. Collaboration is also a very key feature, because the musiclans very equally share the concert programmes, with all the artists being glven equal billing. There is a warm sense of support from within the whole team of musicians and an informality and friendliness that has great integrity. Often the musicians give introductions to the works they are about to play, with elucidating insights into their artistic processes and musical understanding. All these aspects are so inviting to the audience who feel that they are very much a part of the concert experience. Hugely inspiring perforrnances were given all round, culminating in a joyful rendition th of Beethoven's 5 Piano Concerto in a less often heard arrangement for piano and string quartet. For rnany of the audience, Midsummer Music has become a fixture in their annual calendarto which they feel a connection and Indeed an ownership: the event is a shared one and it is heartening to know that classlcal music and its live performance has such a devoted following. Whether listening to the rnore familiar. beloved pieces from the repertoire or expanding one's knowledge through newer and lesser-known works, Midsummer Music plays a significant role in creating possibilities for audience members to connect with the richly imaginative art form of chamber music, Midsummer Musids outreach work with the children from St Marfs Church of England Primary School continued in 2024, as once again a special pre-festival concert forall of the school's Keystage 2 children (aged from seven to eleven} was presented. The festival muslcians are so generous in donating their tlme forfree so thatthe children can have a real taste of a live classical music concert. Paul and Biorg Lewis together with their colleagues played movements from Mozart's Piano and Winds Qulntet and Ravel's String Quartet. Éiisabeth Pion played a fun and virtuosic solo piano work. Bringing the children into the festlval venue to hear muslc and watch musicians up close might not be an experience readily available to most of them. The concert was excellently attended by over 120 children, staff members, the headteacher and the church rector, Revd. Jonny Rapson. Everyone always leaves uplifted having ended the session by asking lots of interesting questions and having encountered something new, exciting and enriching. IYS so important to everyone at Midsummer Music to continue this collaboration with St Marfs School and the invitation to attend next year in 2025 has already been accepted. Accessibility to the local community and to children and young people in particular is central to what Midsummer Music hopes to achieve. Students from local secondary schools are offered free tickets to attend the festival itself and there has been a good take-up on this, which is increasing each year. 2024 was another outstanding year filled with concerts and community outreach. The supportive network surrounding Midsumrner Music rernains its greatest strength. We are especially thankful to the church community for their generosity in allowing the festival to take place in their beautiful and busy church. St Marfs in Old Amersham provides an ideal setting for both performing and
listening to music, and we deeply appreciate the kindness and flexibility of the clerg< and parish during the week of setup, rehearsals, and concerts. We are proud to welcome audiences from near and far locally, nationally, and internationally. The festival's presence in Old Amersham enriches the town. contributing to the local economy and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. Over the past fifteen years, Midsummer Music has earned a reputation as a world-class classical music festival uplifting, inspiring. and expertly led by two passionate champions of music and its transformative power. Paul and Biorg Lewis. Midsurnmer Music exists to connect people through chamber music: bringing the greatest artists to audiences, bringing music compositions together with artistic expression, and bringing St Marfs Amersham to wider attention as a world-class venue for music. The festival continues to celebrate classlcal music in an engaging and joyful way, staying true to it5 misslon to both educate and entertain. As trustees. we take great pride in being part of Midsummer Music and remain committed to making its rewards accessible to as many people as possible. In 2024, Mldsummer Music generated income from the four sources below: l) Donations from Supporters together with 8rant from Merefin Fund via the King Baudouin Foundation 2) Ticket sales from the festival 3) Fundraising / Launch Concert 4) Refreshment and brochure sales during the festival Income sources in 2024 Donations ricket Sales Fundraising Concert RefreshmentslBrochures
Midsummer Muslc ended the year in a very good financial position. It is now the third year in a rowto close with a net incoming resource. As seen above, the festival cannot operate on ticket sales alone, but is hugely indebted to all its Supporters and donors. Also, this year, we are especially grateful to Merifin Capitsl, which has made a significant grant to Midsummer Music under the auspices of the King Baudouin Foundation. At the close of the 2024 financial year, Midsummer Music held cash at the bank of £57,933 all of which is unrestricted funds. In order to meet unforeseen circumstances (another pandemic, a cancelled festival, a drop in Supporter donations, reduced ticket sales), the reseNe level remains set at £10,000. The Trustees and Artistic Directors would like to thank everyone who helps Midsummer Muslc flourish: the artists, audience and donors. A genuine love of music from all of those involved remains the foundatlon of what Midsummer Music can achieve. We remain committed to building on Midsummer Musids contribution to the UK'S cultural landscape, making the event as accessible as possible to the local community and to those who travel long distances to attend. Above all, Midsummer Music aspires to malntain the highest standards of artistic excellence in live classital music performance. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee report above. Signed on behalf of the charlvs trustees Signature Full Name: Sirjeremy Dixon Position: Chairman of the Trustees Date:
MIDSUMMER MUSIC Cliariij No: 1145873 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR TI.IE 12 NqONTi4S fNDED 31 DCCEMBER 2024 Alexander Chanercd Managemeni Accountants Churcliill Ille¥i4 11(Icr-Cliiirehill Af count1nts Brqndon Ilovse. 90 Thc Bru.Idiv:Iy? Cheshini, Buckinghan1511ire. 111>5 1 EG
MIDSUMMER MUSIC ANNUAL Accouwrs FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 cOrENTs Indepemdent Examlner's Report Statement of Assets and Llabllltles Reeelpts and Payments Account Notej to the A¢¢ounts
MIDSUMMER MUSIC Charlty No: 1145873 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THK TRUSTEES OF MIDSUMMER MUSIC I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 2 to 4. Th18 report is made 801ely to the charlty's trustees. as a body. in accordance with section 43 of the Charities Act 1993. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters l am required to State to them in my r¢port and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pernlitted by law. I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyon¢ other than the charity and the Gharity's trustees as a body. for my work. for this repo¢ or for the opinions I have fornied. Respectlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlDer As the charity's trust¢¢s you are responsibl¢ for the preparation of the accounts you consider that the audit requirements of s43(2) of the Charitles Act 1993 does not apply. It 5s my responsibility to state. on the bas18 of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under s43(7)(b) of the Acl whether particular matters have Come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlner's report My examination was carrAed out in a¢cordanG¢ with the General Dlrection3 given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination Includes a revlew of the CounTIng records kept by the charlty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The proc¢dures undertak¢n do not provlde all the evidence that would be requlred In an audlt and. consequently• I do not express an audit opinlon on th¢ vi¢w given by the accounts. Illdependent examlner's Statement In connectlon with my examination. no matter has come to my attentlon: (l) whlch gives m¢ r¢asonable to believe thal In any material r¢speGL the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with s41 of th¢ Act: and to prepare accounts. which aord with the accounting records and to comply with the accountlng requlrements of the have not been met. or (2) to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the COUnts to be reached. Jagbfir Slngh Sahdra CPA 24th October 2025 Alexandtrlhureblll Aetountants. BrAndon House 99 The Broadway? BueklnghAmshir¢, HP5 IEG Pag¢ I
MEDSUMMER MUSIC BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 DECEMBER 2024 31 Dec 2024 31 Dee 2023 CURRENT ASSESTS: Cash al Bank and in Hind HSBC CurrentA¢¢ount 17J65 40J68 57,933 31.999 HSBC Savlogs A¢eouot 31,999 LESS CURRENT LIABILrriES: TOTAL NET Assrrs 57,933 31,999 Flngneed by: GENEK4L FUND Balan¢¢ is at 1st JADUAry 2023 31,999 27,562 Net In¢omtl(-D¢fl¢lt) f•r yeir 25.934 4A37 Bo14llce as at 31st D¢c¢mber 2023 $7,933 31.999 Approv¢d by the Trujtets on and slgned on thelr behalf:. Slr Jeremy Dixo Tnte¢ Page 2
MIDSUMMER MUSIC sTATEMEOF FINANCIALAcTInF Fwthe Yexr4lldod 31rt D¢ttmb¢r1024 INCOMING RESOURCES 31 December 21)24 31 Dttember 2013 From Cb2rftabl¢ Aetlvltiu: Tlrket Sales Supporten Clft Ald 20A92 25ffj02 18A70 24,091 2049 Tol•1 194 45 io From OtherA¢¢lvlil¢s: FundrAlilng Couttrt Sole ofDrlnkn & Progromffjr* Tothl From Chtsrlt#ble Crgn14 Merefln Fund vl# the KinE Baydouln Foundatlon woo T0th1 25 Tol•l lu¢tswlDg RUDr¢¢5 RESOURCLS USED Cos¢ ofG¢otradng FundrJl$lng Expenditure 1783 415 Tothl 1783 41S Cmt of arlble A¢¢lvltlu: Aeeountsn¢y Fees PRS Fee Arllgts, Fe D8DkChArge 744 1.028 19,012 119 678 3b 139SI 186 O(Il¢¢ E%ptDXS aod PrJThdnB Stffjrr Remuneratloa Webjlte Ingurance 1320 15.001 267 15,000 3211 325 Hlrlnc Cbiryes Pl#uo Removal ADd Trnlu8 Stsge & ljgbts Extr# help lJ51 4,112 1946 1,090 797 3J42 770 Storage Sundrl Llcen¢¢ F¢e for Selllll8 drln 1226 1,134 428 21 21 Totsl 705 43150 Total Resour¢ U¥ed 44265 NETINCOMING I (- NET DEFICIT) . RESOURCE5 Totsl GENERAL FUND BAlane¢ lJtJAnvAry 2024 31J99 27A62 BAlttn¢e 3151 DeeembeT 2024 57933 Page 3
MU)SUMMER MUSIC NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the Yur-En& 31st DECEMBER 2024 Note: AccouNfiNC POLICIES: BaJ£$ Of A¢couDttDg: Thc accounts havc becn prephred uThler the histor1 Cost convention #nd itt Rc¢ordancc with $ppliCle a¢¢ounlin8 stJnd8th ond the Chatyties SORP. General Fund$: The thnds of the chgrity are enilrely General Funds available for the objects of the charity, withoul r¢slri¢tion. lal Fundratslng Expendlture: Fwidraising Concert Ibl Artlsts, Fees end Expensts: Fees (including Travd & Acwmodation) 15,955 3.056 19.012 le] Offlee Expenses and PrlntinE: Offirx Supplics end Sundrfes (fronslatlons & Pro8fatn rtoks) Prlnti 375 845 1.220 IDsuraDce: Public Liabillty 325 325 Hirlng Chages: Church Hire Portaloo Hire 1,255 302 1,557 Page 4