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
cO￿rENTs
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 a￿ord 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
Tn￿te¢
Page 2

MIDSUMMER MUSIC
sTATEME￿OF FINANCIALAcTI￿nF￿
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 RUD￿r¢¢5
RESOURCLS USED
Cos¢ ofG¢otradng
FundrJl$lng Expenditure
1783
415
Tothl
1783
41S
Cmt of ￿arl￿ble 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 $ppliC￿le a¢¢ounlin8 stJnd8th ond the Chatyties SORP.
General Fund$:
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