2020-12-31-accounts

THE CARICE SINGERS

Registered Charity Number 1170689

TRUSTEES’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2020

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers

Trustees’ report

Independent examiner’s report

Statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Statement of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Trustees

G Parris D M Grimley D Hodges C King J Graham-Hall (to 22/7/20) M Tattershall P Spicer (from 22/7/20) J Synge (from 22/7/20)

Charity registered number

1170689

Charity registered address

Fexloe House, Main Street, Oxhill, Warwickshire, CV35 0QR

Charity staff

George Parris – Artistic Director Jacob Ewens – Projects Administrator

Treasurer

James Synge

Independent examiner

John McKail

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The trustees present their annual report together with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the CIO’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). The statements have been scrutinised and certified by the Independent Examiner.

Objectives and Activities

a. Policies and objectives

The objectives of the CIO are for the public benefit:

To advance the education of the public in the arts and in particular the art of choral music by British composers of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

Mission Statement

The Carice Singers exists to connect music to people of all ages and backgrounds through its performances, recordings, and outreach work throughout the UK and beyond, often visiting less familiar venues. Named after Elgar’s daughter, the charity is committed to promoting curiosity and appreciation for its ever widening repertoire among audiences and performers alike while also supporting the early careers of the young professional musicians it engages. The charity strives for the highest artistic calibre in all its work, and is proud to be gaining a reputation for imaginative concert programmes.

Background

The Carice Singers is emerging as one of the most distinctive professional vocal ensembles in the UK, defined by its unique sound and imaginative choice of repertoire. Founded in 2011, the ensemble began life giving concerts in Cotswold churches and focusing on the choral music of Edward Elgar, naming itself after the composer’s daughter and only child. Securing a contract with the Naxos label in 2013 for a three-part series of CD recordings gave the ensemble new momentum and confidence to develop ambitious artistic projects while also remaining loyal to audiences based in rural areas of the UK.

Since 2018, the choir has accepted invitations to perform at prestigious UK music festivals including Cheltenham Music Festival and the Oxford Lieder Festival and to record its chosen repertoire for the BBC Music Magazine . At the same time, the charity has undertaken its own special projects aimed at enchanting and inspiring audiences as well as developing the skills and professionalism of its members. Partly through the diverse and far-reaching interests of Artistic Director, George Parris, cultivated during his time at the Sibelius Academy in Finland, The Carice Singers now occupies a unique space among the UK’s professional vocal ensembles as it strategically presents its specialist repertoire within a wider artistic arena, taking listeners on journeys that forge poetic links across nations and centuries.

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

b. Strategies for achieving objectives

1. To inspire our audiences with work of the highest artistic calibre

2. To provide our audiences with pre-concert talks and workshops which contextualise our chosen repertoire and encourage them to draw their own interpretations from the music

3. To cultivate new audiences for choral music by undertaking our work in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere

4. To undertake projects which enable the ensemble to travel out of the metropolis and bring our performances to areas of the UK that normally do not have access to a high level of music-making

5. To support the artistic and professional development of young freelance musicians by securing performances at prestigious venues and festivals and by creating artistically demanding programmes within a supportive atmosphere

6. To develop an ethical and environmentally sound approach to all aspects of our work

c. Main activities undertaken to further the charity’s purposes for the public benefit

The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing their aims and objectives and planning future activities. Below is a record of the public benefit activities for 2020.

The Carice Singers undertook 3 public engagements, including a debut concert in Finland. The number of public engagements in 2020 was much lower than usual due the cancelation or postponement of projects as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing UK Government restrictions. The UK’s choral music industry was and continues to be particularly badly affected due to stigma surrounding singing, aerosols, and infection transmission.

In February, the charity gave a successful debut concert in Finland, performing alongside Finnish choir Spira Ensemble in George Parris’ Final Master’s Degree Recital at the Sibelius Academy Concert Hall, Helsinki.

In March, the charity gave one of three planned performances of its ‘’Tis Nature’s Voice’ programme for the Witney Music Society.

During the Summer, the choir’s online presence was developed through a heavily revised website and a new video series called ‘Inner Voices’. The video series presented interviews with George Parris about contextual issues surrounding certain pieces which the viewer could then watch in full performance.

In September, relaxed restrictions and conditions allowed for an outdoor concert at Mickleton Community Vineyard to an audience limited at 52 persons.

A November concert and premiere of new programme ‘Nordic Reflections’ was prevented from taking place at short-notice due to the implementation of a second national lockdown. The concert was postponed to 2021.

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

In 2020, the charity engaged 19 young freelance singers.

The charity continues to employ its member of staff, George Parris, and Jacob Ewens, throughout the year without any assistant from the UK Government’s Furlough scheme. This meant that the charity’s ability to develop, plan, and carry out its future projects and charitable activities was continued and a new website was designed and released during the summer.

Achievements and performance

a. Key financial performance indicators

Income received from music festivals and music venues/societies remains a core element of the charity’s financial stability. In 2020, this figure made up 56% of total income. Ticket income only made up 4% of total income this year, much lower than average due to the difficulty of putting on events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations given by individuals or Trusts and Foundations supported just over half of the charity’s total income, bringing in a total of £11,382.75 (excluding Gift Aid).

b. Review of activities

Compared to 2019, 2020 was already looking to be a quieter year in terms of the number of activities even before the effects of the pandemic hit. This meant that, on the whole, the number of cancellations was relatively few, although the more severe issue was that the conditions caused as a result of government restrictions and a perceived stigma about the danger of singing and infection transmission. This made the planning of activities throughout the year and into the future particularly difficult, and as a result the charity was only able to reach a handful of people in its UK live performances, and consequently was unable to support young musicians at the desired level.

Membership and Support

The Carice Singers is enormously grateful to its many Friends, Benefactors and other donors whose support is vital to realising artistic ambitions and helping to secure the future. In 2020, the number of our supporters was 43.

Along with donations from individuals, we are extremely grateful to the Trusts and Foundations who supported the charity in 2020.

Support from individuals and support from Trusts and Foundations amounted to £11,382.75. This represents 44% of total income for the year.

c. Investment policy and performance

Under the Charity’s Constitution the charity has the power to invest in any way the Trustees see fit.

The charity has so far not made any major investments nor does it plan to in the foreseeable future.

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Financial Review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

b. Financial risk management objectives and policies

The financial objective of The Carice Singers is to raise sufficient annual income to cover the expenditure of the year whilst generating surplus funds to maintain reserves at levels which match potential future liabilities and risk so that the financial viability of the charity is assured.

The charity aims to spread financial risk across the main sources of income including performance fees, ticket sales, philanthropic donations, and money from Trusts and Foundations.

To actively reduce risk, the charity is planning to secure an increase to its performance fees as received from venues and festivals as well as increasing the number of private donors.

c. Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks facing The Carice Singers include:

• The expense of putting on events and making recordings, especially in high-profile or metropolitan venues, and the accompanying costs involved with being an emerging vocal ensemble which is larger than most others (e.g. singers’ fees, transportation, accommodation)

• Financial uncertainty related to Brexit particularly with regard to the impact on securing engagements in Europe (which are often more financially generous than in the UK) as well the impact on financial support from individual donors

• Financial uncertainty related to the COVID-19 Pandemic with regard to the restrictions preventing the main bulk of our activities to take place and the general recovery of the cultural sector as a whole

• Competition from other arts organisations, in particular professional vocal ensembles, that could impact the number of engagements, donations, ticket sales, and the availability of musicians

• Practicalities of working with musicians at the beginning of their careers, with regard to the financial stability, professionality, and prospect of career changes facing these persons.

d. Reserves policy

Reserves are generally no more or less than the bank and cash balance. As such these

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

funds are not restricted and for the use of the charity as working capital. If funds have been received as donations for specific purposes, then such amounts will be shown in the accounts as used or held as restricted.

e. Principal funding

The principal funding sources for the charity include a) funds received from music festivals or music venues/societies who wish to engage the charity for a performance for an agreed amount b) revenue collected as ticket of CD sales which comes from the general public at the charity’s own events c) donations given by individuals or Trusts and Foundations d) Gift Aid received as a result of these donations.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Charity, also referred to as ‘the Charity’ is registered as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) whose only voting members are its charity trustees.

The Charity was incorporated on 12 December 2016 and commenced trading on that date. The principal objects of the CIO are for the public benefit: to advance the education of the public in the arts and in particular the art of choral music by British composers of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are responsible for the appointment or election of new Trustees under the terms of the Constitution.

c. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

New Trustees receive a copy of the current version of the Constitution as well as a copy of the Charity’s latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts before his or her first appointment or trustees’ meeting. Thereafter, the new trustee is introduced to key employees and other Trustees and is invited to upcoming performances given by the charity.

d. Organisational structure and decision making

The Trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the charity and all key decisions affecting direction of the charity. The Board of Trustees delegates the day to day management of the charity to the charity staff members including the Artistic Director, Projects Administrator, and the Treasurer.

e. Pay policy for staff

The remuneration of staff is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees and is kept in line with other similar arts organisations.

f. Connected persons

In his role as Artistic Director, George Parris receives artistic fees from each engagement

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THE CARICE SINGERS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

as well as a small stipend as agreed by the trustees and as per clause 6. 2. a. of the Charity Constitution.

g. Trustees’ indemnities

If the CIO is wound up, the charity trustees have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.

Plans for future periods

2021 marks the charity’s tenth anniversary. In May 2021, the choir will give three performances of its Tis Natures’ Voice programme at Holy Trinity Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Newbury Spring Festival and for Richmond Concert Society.

In June 2021, the choir will perform its rescheduled concert Nordic Reflections in London. In the following month, the choir will be Ensemble in Residence at Cheltenham Music Festival where it will give the world premiere of Matthew Whittall’s Songs of Travel as part of a programme about travel and migration. During the Festival, the choir will also participate in the Composers’ Academy where it will workshop and perform new works by six composers.

ÁIn August 2021, the choir plans to record Matthew Whittall’s Songs of Travel and other choral music for release the following year. Then will follow two concerts to celebrate the charity’s tenth anniversary during early September.

In November 2021, the choir will give the world premiere of Derek Smith’s Requiem together with the Requiem of Tomás Luis de Victoria in Malvern Priory, supported by the Gemma Music Trust.

The charity is currently in discussion with a number of festivals and music promoters about future performances in 2021 and beyond. Our aim is to search for every opportunity where a pre-concert talk or audience workshop can be attached to a performance, therefore maximising the potential of our audiences feeling welcomed and included.

In particular, the charity will be looking for every opportunity to increase its support to young musicians both during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Information on fundraising practices

The Carice Singers applies the standards and good practice as set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice by the Fundraising Regulator.

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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Roport to the trusteesl members of The cari￿ Singers On accounts for the year ended 31Jl D￿rnber 2020 Charity no (if any) 1170689 Set out on pagos Only page I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above chanty (Ihe Trust.) for ts year ended 3111212020 Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Ad 2011 llhe Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under se¢Xion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Ad or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examinerfs statement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whith attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper undetstanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Slgned: Dats: 22-L-zozi Nam F McKail CA Relevant professlonal qualificationls) or body (if any): Chartered Accountant Address: Brambles, Back Lane Oxhill WaThvickshire CV35 OQN IER October 2018

THE CARICE SINGERS

[Charity no. 1170689]

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2019 £ RECEIPTS 9,524 Engagement Fees received in year (restated) 5,279 Tickets and Programmes 47 CD Sales 8,710 Friends and Benefactors 1,196 Other Donations 2,499 Gift Aid Recovery 27,255 TOTAL RECEIPTS LESS PAYMENTS 25,635 Artists fees & expenses 2,580 Venue Hire 877 Printing/Stationery/Website 200 Producer / Engineer 226 Music & Materials 878 Sundry 2,645 Salaries and Other Administration 33,041 TOTAL PAYMENTS (5,786) NET CASH SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR	2020 £ 13,564 1,080 32 8,830 2,553 0
	26,059
	16,807 655 48 0 155 33 2,250
	19,948
	6,111

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

2019 £ 655 296 951 6,737 (5,786) 951	Assets Balance at Bank Petty Cash NET ASSETS Reserves Brought forward Surplus /(Deficit) this year TOTAL RESERVES	2020 £ 6,730 332
		7,062
		951 6,111
		7,062

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Trustee

31 May 2021