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2022-12-31-accounts

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Company Registered No: 09734788 Charity Registered No: 1164360

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees are pleased to present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS

Status The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in
England and Wales.
Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its trustees for the
purpose of charity law. The trustees and officers serving during the year
were as follows:
Ann Fiona Chambers
Evgenia Chernysheva
Paul Christopher Mark Solon
Andrew Lyndsay Balfour Thomson
Secretary Kenneth William Baird
Registered Office 1 Haigh Street
Liverpool
Merseyside
United Kingdom
L3 8QB
Independent Examiner Richard I Coulthard
Robert S Boys
28-30 Grange Road West
Birkenhead
Merseyside
United Kingdom
CH41 4DA
Bankers The Royal Bank of Scotland
1 Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2PP
Solicitors Brabners LLP
Horton House
Exchange Flags
Liverpool
L2 3YL

Page 1

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS Page
Report of the Trustees 3-6
Report of the Independent Examiner 7
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11-16
Income and Expenditure Account 17

Page 2

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 TRUSTEES' REPORT

The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Our purposes and activities

The charity's purpose is to apply the whole of the annual income and capital to advance the education of the public in the arts of opera and music-theatre. In particular (but only in furtherance of that objective) to provide, in such manner as the trustees see fit, training for singers, conductors, repetiteurs, instrumentalists, technicians, directors, designers, arts administrators and others including the provision of study courses, arranging for the production, touring and performances of operas, works of musical theatre and any other musical works and the provision of scholarships and awards; also to provide educational activities and training in schools and other educational institutions.

The charity, in consultation with a range of partners, selects the operatic repertoire to be studied and presented during the forthcoming seasons.

The charity auditions for opera singers and others in various locations. Selection is entirely on merit.

Activity since incorporation

The charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 15 August 2015 and was inactive until it took over the assets, liabilities and charitable functions of The European Opera Centre Trust on 10 May 2016. Those assets and liabilities are summarised in note 12 of the financial statements.

In the event of the dissolution of the charity its members are each liable to contribute £1 to meet its liabilities.

The current members of the company are its directors / trustees.

Organisation

The charity is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The number of trustees shall not be less than three. The statutory power of appointing new trustees shall apply, but if there are at any time no trustees in office to effect an appointment of new trustees, such appointment shall be effected by such living person or persons who was or were last a trustee or trustees. One third of the trustees must retire each year; a retiring trustee who is eligible may be reappointed. The trustees must meet at least three times each year.

A chief executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the day to day operations of the charity. Performance is regularly reviewed and reports received by the board of trustees.

Trustees

The present trustees and those appointed during the year are set out below:

Ann Fiona Chambers Evgenia Chernysheva Paul Christopher Mark Solon Andrew Lyndsay Balfour Thomson

Page 3

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

Investment powers and policy

Surplus cash funds are placed in cash deposit investment schemes with the charity's bankers. The trustees are satisfied with the return achieved, bearing in mind the limited funds available for investment and the period of time for which they are available.

Review of the year, including financial review and plans for future periods

During the year, the European Opera Centre resumed its partnership with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This partnership was originally launched in 2006 soon after Vasily Petrenko took up his position as the orchestra’s Chief Conductor. Plans were interrupted by the pandemic years with a number of enforced cancellations. It was a pleasure to be resuming the partnership with the orchestra conducted by Domingo Hindoyan – Vasily Petrenko’s successor.

Puccini’s comic masterpiece Gianni Schicchi was the twelfth opera to be presented in collaboration between the Centre and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; and the third where the Centre’s singers had the pleasure and valuable experience of performing alongside one of the great actor-singers of our day – Sir Bryn Terfel. Apart from the title role taken by Sir Bryn, the Centre selected through open international audition, cast and prepared the remaining thirteen adult roles. Several hundred applications were received from early-career artists from 46 countries around the world – each considered by the Centre’s Head of Singer Development and Artistic Advisor, Laurent Pillot. The cast included as Lauretta, Anaïs Constans, who had previously received the European Opera Centre’s award at the Barcelona-based Tenor Viñas Contest, a singing competition with which the Centre has an annual association.

Gianni Schicchi was staged by the French actor/director Bernard Rozet, with whom the Centre has a long-standing association. Musical preparation was led by Irène Kudela - one of Europe’s most sought-after opera coaches. The project gave trainee repetiteur and assistant director opportunities in addition to valuable experience for singers; the performances received four- and five-star reviews. The Guardian’s view was that “…this is very much a cogent ensemble where no one really puts a foot wrong.”

These performances were dedicated to the memory of Sir Christopher and Lady Audland. The late Christopher and Maura Audland both led distinguished careers in the institutions of Europe. Sir Christopher’s knowledge of the European Commission was vital in the founding of the European Opera Centre, with which he was associated for more than twenty years, including a period as Chairman. Sir Christopher and Lady Audland also gave most generous financial support to the European Opera Centre over a number of years.

More than 500 primary school children from Greater Liverpool have participated in the Centre’s educational programme since its launch in 2016/2017. Based on the award-winning animated opera film the Centre instigated with BBC Television, this collaboration between schools and the Centre allows children to create their own work for the stage – complementing what they encounter as part of the school curriculum. During the year, the Centre extended its work in schools through a partnership with Childwall Abbey School. Childwall Abbey is a Local Authority specialist secondary school for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties, aged 11-19, located in a beautiful part of the south of Liverpool. The school’s aim is to provide quality education, for pupils who have a wide variety of learning difficulties, often including Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Many regional and national trusts and foundations have supported the Centre’s educational work since its inception. We record our warmest thanks for this recognition and funding, especially for recent contributions from the P H Holt Foundation and from the Rushworth Trust and Skelton Charity.

Page 4

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

Since the launch of its educational work, the European Opera Centre has had a close association with Liverpool Hope University. The Centre is based at the University’s Creative Campus and has been able to draw on advice and expertise from academics over the selection, development and training of animateurs. Many recent graduates of Hope have been given their first experience to this type of work through the European Opera Centre. During the year, the University and Centre held discussions – involving the network of schools established through the Centre’s programme – over the future development and delivery of this joint programme.

The charity recorded a net deficit of £36,964 of which £36,964 represents a deficit on unrestricted funds.

Total income for the year amounted to £1,400.

Page 5

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)

The charity continues to promote and develop its artistic and cultural activities for the public benefit both in the UK and internationally. The trustees confirm they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commissioners' general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives in planning future activities for the period, and the charity continues to fulfil its public benefit obligations as a charity as set out earlier in the review of the period.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity to endeavour to hold reserves in its unrestricted funds in order to establish an appropriate level of working capital and to protect the future operations of the charity from the effects of any unforeseen and material variations in its income streams, as part of a policy of good financial management practice.

The nature of the charity's activities and funding sources is such that a significant proportion are funded from restricted funds.

Funding

The trustees are satisfied that the charity's assets attributed to each of its individual funds are available and adequate and if necessary assets will be sold to fulfil its obligations in relation to those funds.

Risk management

The trustees continue to be aware of their responsibilities regarding risk management and meet periodically continuing to profile risks, examining controls already in place and embedding new controls to mitigate significant risks.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees on : 24th September 2024

Andrew Lyndsay Balfour Thomson Trustee

Page 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE

I report on the accounts of the European Opera Centre (Charity 1164360) for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 8 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair' view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention,

have not been met; or

Richard I Coulthard FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Robert S Boys Chartered Accountants 28-30 Grange Road West Birkenhead Wirral CH41 4DA

24th September 2024

Page 7

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the European Opera Centre for the purposes of company law) 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).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

By order of the board of trustees

Andrew Lyndsay Balfour Thomson Trustee

Page 8

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Notes
Income:
Donations and legacies
2a
Income from charitable activities:
Other income
2b
Investment income
2c
Total income
Expenditure
Costs of raising funds:
Commercial trading operations
3
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Other income
4
Total expenditure
Net income and net movement in funds
for the year
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
700
678
1,378
-
5
5
-
17
17
700
700
1,400
-
119
119
700
37,545
38,245
700
37,664
38,364
-
(36,964)
(36,964)
-
33,434
33,434
-
(3,530)
(3,530)
Total
Funds
2022
£
23,500
5,875
3
29,378
184
33,467
33,651
(4,273)
37,707
33,434

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Page 9

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 BALANCE SHEET

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within one year
10
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
The Funds of the Charity
Revaluation reserve
Unrestricted income funds
Restricted income funds
Total Funds Employed
11
2023
£
21,250
-
6,401
6,401
9,931
(3,530)
17,720
21,250
(3,530)
-
17,720
2022
£
21,250
34,075
10,494
44,569
11,135
33,434
54,684
21,250
33,434
-
54,684

The trustees have prepared the accounts in accordance with section 138 of the Charities Act 2011. These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small companies in accordance with FRS102 and constitute the accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.

For the period covered by these accounts the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees, who are directors of the company, acknowledge their responsibility for ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The notes on pages 11 to 16 form part of these accounts.

Approved on behalf of the trustees on : 24th September 2024

Andrew Lyndsay Balfour Thomson Trustee

Company Registration Number 09734788

Page 10

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

European Opera Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Going concern

The trustees have reviewed the funding requirements of the charity for the next 12 months and concluded that the charity is able to continue operations within existing funding facilities. The trustees confirm that the going concern basis of preparation of the financial statements remains appropriate.

Current Assets

Current assets are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Income

Donations and legacies

All monetary donations and gifts are included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable, provided that there are no donor-imposed restrictions as to the timing of the related expenditure, in which case recognition is deferred until the precondition has been met.

Other income

Other incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when receivable.

Investment income

Investment income, including associated income tax recoveries, is recognised when receivable.

Expenditure

Expenditure, which is charged on an accruals basis, is allocated between:

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. Expenditure for those purposes is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs.

Page 11

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES

1. Accounting Policies

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

They are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Fixtures, fittings and office equipment 25% straight line

Assets were transferred during the period ended 31 December 2016 upon the merger with the unincorporated charity known as The European Opera Centre Trust registered with the Commission with charity number 1058929. These consist of fixtures, fittings and office equipment. The original cost of these assets were £5,573, the book value of these assets at date of transfer was nil.

Pianos were also transferred upon the merger and have been included in the balance sheet at their revalued amount. The revaluation was conducted by Jaques Samuel Pianos on 19 October 2016 at a total valuation of £21,250. It is considered by the trustees that this valuation still remains.

Foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the accounting date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the date of the transactions. All differences are taken to the statement of financial activities.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the Charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

Government grants are recognised using the accrual model and the performance model.

Under the accrual model, government grants relating to revenue are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the Charity recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs are recognised in income in the period in which it becomes receivable.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

Page 12

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES (CONTINUED)

Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
2
Income:
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
2a
Donations and legacies
Donations
700
678
1,378
700
678
1,378
2b
Income from charitable activities
Core activities
-
5
5
Education
-
-
The Cunning Little Vixen
-
-
-
Talks
-
-
-
Falstaff
-
-
-
Performers and artists
-
-
-
-
5
5
2c
Investment Income
Bank Interest
-
17
17
-
17
17
Total Income
700
700
1,400
3
Expenditure
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Cost of raising funds:
Administration costs
-
-
-
Governance costs (note 5)
-
-
-
Unrealised exchange movement
-
119
119
Staff costs
-
-
-
Depreciation
-
-
-
Bank interest payable
-
-
-
Interest on late payment of taxes
-
-
-
-
119
119
4
Expenditure
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Administration costs
36,714
1,531
38,245
Staff costs
-
-
-
Expenditure met by unrestricted funds
(36,014)
36,014
-
700
37,545
38,245
Total
Funds
2022
£
23,500
23,500
5,875
-
-
-
-
-
5,875
3
3
29,378
Total
Funds
2022
£
257
-
(73)
-
-
-
-
184
Total
Funds
2022
£
33,467
-
-
33,467

Page 13

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES (CONTINUED)

5
Expenditure
Governance Costs
Trustees expenses
6
Employees
Wages and salaries - Animateur
Social security costs
Furlough grants received
Average number of employees
Restricted
Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
2023
2023
£
£
-
-
-
-
Total
Funds
2023
£
-
-
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
2023
No.
-
Total
Funds
2022
£
-
-
2022
£
1,560
-
1,560
-
1,560
2022
No.
-

No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000.

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise the trustees, and the Chief Executive / Company Secretary. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £Nil.

7 Trustees

No trustee or person with a family or business connection with a trustee received remuneration in the period, directly or indirectly.

Expense reimbursements in respect of travel and subsistence were paid to trustees during the period amounting to £Nil.

Indemnity insurance is provided for trustees. The premium paid this year was £463.

Page 14

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES (CONTINUED)

8 Tangible fixed assets

Cost / valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
Pianos
£
21,250
-
-
21,250
-
-
-
-
21,250
21,250

Pianos have been included in the balance sheet at the revaluation amount. The revaluation was conducted by Jaques Samuel Pianos on 19 October 2016. It is considered by the trustees that this valuation still remains.

9 Debtors

Operating debtors
Other debtors
Creditors
Operating creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals
2023
£
-
-
-
2023
£
2,370
-
611
6,950
9,931
2022
£
34,075
-
34,075
2022
£
2,072
-
277
8,786
11,135

10 Creditors

Page 15

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES (CONTINUED)

11 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets / (liabilities)
Total
Restricted
Unrestricted
Revaluation
Total
Funds
Funds
Reserve
Funds
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
21,250
21,250
-
6,401
-
6,401
-
(9,931)
-
(9,931)
-
(3,530)
21,250
17,720

The restricted fund represents net income from third party funders, to support the charity's operatic activities.

12 Funds transferred from The European Opera Centre Trust

Assets and liabilities were transferred from The European Opera Centre Trust to the company on 10 May 2016 as follows:

Fixed assets - fixtures, fittings, office equipment and camera -
at written down book value
Current assets
Cash at bank
Current liabilities and accruals
At 31 December 2016
Analysis between funds:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
£
Nil
7,707
76,487
(8,298)
75,896
22,000
53,896
75,896

Page 16

EUROPEAN OPERA CENTRE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Income:
Donations and legacies
Other incoming resources
Investment income
Total income
Expenditure
Wages and salaries
Employer's NI contributions
Furlough grants received
Rent and rates
Insurance
Accountancy services
Payroll administration
Independent examiner's fees
Communication costs including website
Office supplies
Postage and courier charges
Advertising and sponsorship
Hiring of premises and equipment
Music hire, purchase and performing rights
Recording, printing and translation
Repairs, maintenance and packaging
General expenses
Governance costs including trustees expenses
Travel expenses
Hotel and subsistence
Donations and gifts
Animateurs
Masterclass and audition fees
Performer, artist fees and expenses
Research programmes
Production
Bursaries
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges
Bad debt
Interest on late payment of taxes
(Profit) / loss on exchange
Total expenditure
Net income and net movement in funds for the year
2023
£
1,378
5
17
1,400
-
-
-
602
2,450
-
(24)
1,200
161
177
83
-
-
558
628
-
12
-
4,195
3,493
300
3,619
20,034
-
550
-
125
82
-
-
119
38,364
(36,964)
2022
£
23,500
5,875
3
29,378
-
-
-
1,313
2,204
400
288
1,200
1,052
292
76
530
(378)
-
-
-
-
-
1,578
4,367
-
15,379
-
-
5,000
96
-
261
66
-
-
(73)
33,651
(4,273)

Page 17