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2025-08-31-accounts

Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The CIO was established to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public in the arts, culture, and heritage, and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing), the arts of orchestral, choral and other music.

Since the previous Annual Report (and since our founding) there has been no change to the CIO’s principal charitable objectives and activities, which are:

  1. the organisation and/or presentation of concerts of high educational and artistic merit, conferences, lectures and recordings;

  2. the organisation and presentation of concerts and collaborations with schools and other places of education; and

  3. the organisation and presentation of such other events and performances as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine.

This includes the organisation and promotion of concerts and the facilitation and organisation of other engagements such as workshops, lectures, and recordings in the United Kingdom and abroad. Alongside the core performances, the CIO is committed to providing additional opportunities for professional development and education through complementary projects and mentoring. In furtherance of these objectives the CIO engages international singers and instrumentalists, artists, performers and repetiteurs; additionally, the CIO engages skilled professional and technical advisers such as language and vocal coaches, musicologists, historians, and keyboard technicians.

The Trustees have reviewed the Charity’s objectives and activities and acknowledged that they have paid due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission as noted in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011. The CIO fulfilled its objectives by presenting 55 concerts and other performances. The Choral Scholarship scheme was in place for this period, and five full scholarships were offered between September 2024 and August 2025. The Trustees express the objectives in a ‘Mission Statement’ and monitor its activities/initiatives against this.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

From 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025, the Oxford Bach Soloists gave 23 concerts to a total of 11,215 audience members (4,979 in person, 6,236 online). They also took part in 32 workshops and masterclasses. The activities were as follows:

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

Own-promoted Live Performances

Collaborative Live Performances

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

Workshops and Masterclasses

Private Events

In contrast to the previous year, the 2024–25 season began from a position of significant organisational change. Following the departure of the Founding Artistic Director in July 2024, the Board of Trustees made the strategic decision to maintain the charity’s musical momentum through a transitional leadership model, prioritising financial stability and artistic continuity. During this period, the charity’s artistic activity was largely curated by General Manager Katie Ambrose, in conjunction with a small group of guest directors. This approach formed the backbone of the organisation’s ownpromoted performances, providing regular concerts in Oxford and London and platforming the charity’s Choral Scholars alongside principal instrumentalists.

Alongside this, a full season of larger-scale works was delivered despite the absence of a permanent Artistic Director for much of the year. The Trustees’ strategy ensured that core projects remained viable and high-quality throughout the transition. Major highlights included the relaunch of activity with Nun Komm (December 2024) and the annual Christmas Oratorio (January 2025), the latter directed by Steven Grahl. The charity also maintained its commitment to Bach’s masterworks with performances of the St John Passion in both Oxford and London (April 2025).

This transition period was successfully managed through the collaborative oversight of Katie Ambrose, working with a rotation of guest directors and principal musicians. Some of these were being considered for a more permanent appointment; others were long-

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Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

Oxford Bach Soloists

standing collaborators who understood the ensemble’s musical ethos. This approach, which included guest-led projects by Eamonn Dougan, Dónal McCann, and Quintin Beer, enabled continuity while offering the flexibility needed during a period of change. This process culminated in July 2025 with a significant restructuring of the senior leadership team: the appointment of Steven Grahl as Artistic Director and the promotion of Katie Ambrose to the role of Executive Director. Together, these appointments provide the strategic and artistic leadership necessary to secure the charity’s long-term future.

The decision to maintain regular activity was especially important in light of the Choral Scholarship scheme, now in its sixth year. Following the temporary pause in recruitment in early summer 2024, the Trustees were heartened by a significant financial pledge and an outpouring of support from the OBS community. This enabled the appointment of four new scholars in February 2025, who benefited from tailored mentorship including masterclasses with German coach Gerhard Gall and conductor Eamonn Dougan. Recruitment for a full, overlapping cohort for the 2025–26 season began in June 2025, with seven choral scholars and a new Continuo scholar appointed at this time. This ensured that the scholarships remained a cornerstone of the organisation’s educational mission and demonstrated commitment to our audiences and to the sustainment of the organisation.

The Oxford Bach Soloists’ network of Friends and supporters remained a pillar of strength during this period. While active memberships decreased to 76, reflecting the period of uncertainty, the successful delivery of the season and the high-profile appointment of the new leadership team have laid the groundwork for renewed growth, particularly as we expected that there would be some Friends that were committed to the Founder, Tom, rather than specifically to the organisation. That being said, we did see some individual Friends over this period of time step up their monthly commitment over this period, as demonstration of their unwavering commitment to the charity’s artistic output. In the 2025/26 season, we are already seeing a regrowth in the number of Friends subscriptions, and we are already looking at how we can broaden this reach for the 2026/27 season.

The Digital Concerts platform remained an important part of the organisation’s offering, enabling audiences to access own-promoted concerts remotely. Over the course of the year, 29 Digital Concert subscriptions were active. As we only recorded two of the concerts across this year, it is unsurprising that this number declined from the previous year. We are investigating how we can re-engage our Digital impact for the next

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

season, as we are conscious that in order to engage with a younger audience, not to mention a more global audience, this clear Digital footprint is mandatory.

The Oxford Bach Soloists’ monthly newsletter continued to provide reflections, project news, and behind-the-scenes content to over 1,000 subscribers, and remains a key element of the organisation’s outreach and engagement strategy as we transition into a new chapter under our new executive and artistic leadership.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

This was the eighth operating period of the charity. The proceeds from concerts were £123,213 in the 12-month period, compared with costs of £206,196. Some of the shortfall has been covered by general fundraising from Friends (£10,668), and from general donations (£54,324). There is a deficit of £17,992 calculated on an accrual basis.

The Charity secured funding from an individual donor which started in 2020–21, and which allowed significant growth and secured funds to pay musicians. This funding was terminated in December 2023, and whilst the charity found a temporary solution to fund the 2024–25 season, there is now a need to secure a more long-term solution to allow future planning and maintain artistic excellence.

Proceeds from concerts have decreased compared to the previous period. This decrease reflects the absence of the significant international project in New York delivered in the prior year, as well as a reduction in the number of own-promoted concerts during the period without a permanent Artistic Director. This was partially offset by the expansion of collaborative projects this season, particularly an increase in the regular engagements with the Saïd Business School. General fundraising through gifts and donations has also decreased following the loss of a major source of funding in December 2023. Despite the number of Friends decreasing, the membership income remained relatively stable. The Trustees recognise the shift in artistic leadership, combined with the necessary transition away from a regular cantata series in the absence of significant financial backing have changed the appeal in the organisation for certain supporters.

Fees paid to musicians remained a significant area of expenditure, alongside general administration costs. While total costs decreased overall compared to the previous year, the charity maintained a high level of activity, delivering 23 concerts and 32 workshops

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

and masterclasses. The General Manager (appointed Executive Director in July 2025) maintained the same salary as in previous years, despite working without the support of an Artistic Director for the majority of the period. To support this increased operational burden and ensure the smooth delivery of the season, a freelance Administrator was appointed in February 2025.

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, the Trustees are planning a strategic restructuring of the leadership team to include the current Artistic and Executive Directors, and a new General Manager, currently the freelance administrator. While this represents a modest total increase in hours of 0.75 per week, the restructure will allow each team member to focus on their specific remit. Notably, this will enable the Executive Director to focus primarily on fundraising and strategic business planning, providing the necessary foundation for the organisation's sustained growth and longterm financial resilience.

At the end of the financial period, the Charity held assets of £43,203. These assets are adequate to provide the charity with working capital and the Trustees do not believe them to be excessive. Work continues to build a strong base of regular donors through the Friends programme and to sponsor the appointment of choral scholars. The charity does not break even on all the concerts which it performs, though it aims to be sustainable over a full 12-month period. Under the new leadership of the Artistic Director and Executive Director, the Trustees remain focused on securing the charity’s future through strategic financial planning.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and has memorandum and articles associated with this.

New Trustees are appointed according to the following procedure:

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

To support the administration of the Charity as it grows, the Charity has:

RESERVES POLICY

Reserves are defined as unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on any of the charitable purposes of the Charity. Funds such as restricted income funds, the balance of restricted grants, tangible fixed assets and any investment funds are excluded from the reserves. Reserves are held to meet any unexpected spending requirements and unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, any shortfall in income from donations or grants, any delays in receiving grant payments and to fulfil the obligations of the Charity.

The Beneficiaries of the Oxford Bach Soloists are the choral scholars, students, players, conductors and soloists who participate in our performances and the diverse audiences which come to listen and enjoy a unique musical experience. They come to the Charity to be able to take part in performances of a high quality that mirror the diversity of our community. Our historically informed musicianship allows for a lively interplay between committed performance and an immersive experience for the audience. They would all be adversely affected if the Charity was unable to operate and to provide them with these opportunities for performance, participation and support.

The Trustees therefore consider that a suitable policy for this Charity is to hold in reserves the equivalent of a minimum of three months of general operating costs including salary costs. This policy and the level of reserves will be reviewed once a year by the Trustees.

We currently hold £31,018 in unrestricted reserves which is the equivalent of around five months general operating costs for the Charity. We aim to maintain the reserves at the planned level of a minimum of three months of general operating costs by significantly increasing our fundraising activity and identifying suitable donors and organisations from whom general donations for this purpose can be requested. The Trustees and management team are conscious that they are likely to face financial headwinds from time to time, and are focussed on increasing income and closely managing costs. Where possible, funders are urged to contribute to our unrestricted

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

funds to cover our general operating costs, as well as to make restricted contributions towards specific projects. Management is committed to using a portion of general income to maintain the reserves.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have a formal process for identifying, evaluating, and managing the major risks the charity faces, reviewed at least annually and more frequently when necessary, in order to implement a risk management strategy that includes the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks and their potential effect on the charity.

The Trustees consider that the main risks to OBS in 2024-25 included:

• ensuring a smooth transition of artistic leadership following the departure of the founder Tom Hammond-Davies

• achieving a sustainable financial and fundraising model, including growth in core costs fundraising

The Trustees have addressed these risks by carrying out a detailed recruitment process to appoint an excellent new Artistic Director, Steven Grahl. Further to that, we have in May 2026 appointed to the board a new trustee who has extensive specialist fundraising experience. The focus is now on developing good relationships with existing and new donors while ensuring robust financial monitoring. The charity has a strong system of internal control with clear oversight at Board level with robust financial controls, close monitoring of budgets and forecasts and formal limits on staff ability to authorise expenditure, with all payments over £1,000 being authorised by a Trustee, though the Trustees have recently agreed to increase the limit for authorising expenditure to £2,000.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by OBS.

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Oxford Bach Soloists

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Annual Report Year ended 31st August 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The Charity is registered as Oxford Bach Soloists with Charity registration number 1172192. Its registered office is 3 Apsley Road, Oxford, OX2 7QX.

Trustees during the period were: Mr Simon Littlewood, Chair Ms Helen Morton, Treasurer Ms Judith Finch Dr Pegram Harrison Ms Miranda Whiteley

The Trustees named on the Charity’s bank account during the period were the Chair and the Treasurer.

SIGNED

Simon Littlewood Chair of Trustees 8 June 2026

Helen Morton Treasurer 8 June 2026

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Oxford Bach Soloists Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities:
Charitable activities
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
4
Charitable activities:
4
Charitable activities
12
NET EXPENDITURE
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2025
Unrestricted
funds
£
64,991
123,213		 2024
Total funds
£
23,066
224,202
188,204 247,268
(7,310)
(198,886)		 (10,766)
(269,709)
(206,196) (280,475)
(17,992) (33,207)
(17,992)
49,010		 (33,207)
82,217
31,018 49,010

The notes on pages 13 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Oxford Bach Soloists Comparative Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities:
Charitable activities
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds
4
Charitable activities:
4
Charitable activities
12
12
NET EXPENDITURE
Transfers between funds
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds
£
18,366
192,123		 Restricted
funds
£
4,700
32,079		 2024
Total funds
£
23,066
224,202
210,489 36,779 247,268
(9,445)
(238,920)		 (1,321)
(30,789)		 (10,766)
(269,709)
(248,365) (32,110) (280,475)
(37,876)
4,669		 4,669
(4,669)		 (33,207)
-
(33,207)
82,217		 -
-		 (33,207)
82,217
49,010 - 49,010

The notes on pages 13 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Oxford Bach Soloists Statement of Financial Position As At 31 August 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
1,911
Cash at bank and in hand
43,527
45,438
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
10
(14,420)
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
31,018
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
31,018
NET ASSETS
31,018
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
12
On behalf of the board
Miss Helen Morton
Trustee
Mr Simon Littlewood
Trustee
8thJune2026		 Unrestricted
funds
£
1,911
43,527		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-		 2025
Total funds
£
1,911
43,527		 2024
Total funds
£
13,357
49,684
45,438
(14,420)		 -
-		 45,438
(14,420)		 63,041
(14,031)
31,018 - 31,018 49,010
31,018 - 31,018 49,010
31,018 - 31,018 49,010
31,018 49,010
31,018 49,010

The notes on pages 13 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Oxford Bach Soloists Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

1. General Information

Oxford Bach Soloists is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1172192. The principal address is 3 Apsley Road, Oxford, OX2 7QX.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

2.2. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2.3. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Grants which have a restriction as to timing are recognised over the period for which they are given.

The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in the accounts.

2.4. Resources Expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is considered to relate to expenditure of the charity in the furtherance of its charitable activities and includes the costs of delivering services undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

2.5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.

2.6. Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.7. Pensions

The charity operates a defined pension contribution scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

3. Income from Donations and Legacies

.
Income from Donations and Legacies
2025
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Donations and gifts 64,991 - 64,991

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Oxford Bach Soloists Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Donations and gifts
4.
Analysis of Expenditure
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5.
Support Costs
Employee costs
Premises expenses
General administration
Interest payable
Governance costs		 Unrestricted
funds
£
18,366		 Restricted
funds
£
4,700		 2024
Total
funds
£
23,066
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
7,310
146,751		 Support costs
(see note 5)
£
-
52,135		 2025
Total
£
7,310
198,886
154,061 52,135 206,196
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
10,766
195,985		 Support costs
(see note 5)
£
-
73,724		 2024
Total
£
10,766
269,709
206,751 73,724 280,475
2025
Charitable
activities
£
32,256
3,489
15,052
78
1,260
52,135

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Oxford Bach Soloists Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

Employee costs
Premises expenses
General administration
Governance costs
6.
Independent Examiner's Remuneration
Independent examination of the financial statements
7.
Staff Costs
Staff costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2025
£
1,260
2025
£
32,888
(1,362)
730
32,256		 2024
Charitable
activities
£
59,910
474
12,200
1,140
73,724
2024
£
1,140
2024
£
58,182
439
1,289
59,910

No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

8. Average Number of Employees

Average number of employees during the year was as follows:

Charitable Activities
Administration
9.
Debtors
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors		 2025
1
1
2
2025
£
1,800
111
1,911		 2024
1
1
2
2024
£
12,600
757
13,357

9. Debtors

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Oxford Bach Soloists Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

10. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Trade creditors
Bank loans and overdrafts
Other creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
9,407
324
142
1,295
3,252
14,420		 2024
£
7,660
56
142
2,333
3,840
14,031

11. Pension Commitments

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £730 (2024: £1,289).

At the statement of financial position date contributions of £142 (2024: £142) were due to the fund and are included in creditors.

12. Movement in Funds

2.
Movement in Funds
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
Total funds
Unrestricted funds
General:
General unrestricted fund
Restricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds		 As at 1
September
2023
£
82,217
-		 As at 1
September
2024
£
49,010		 Income
£
188,204		 Expenditure
£
(206,196)		 As at 31
August 2025
£
31,018
49,010 188,204 (206,196) 31,018
Income
£
210,489
36,779		 Expenditure
£
(248,365)
(32,110)		 Transfers
£
4,669
(4,669)		 As at 31
August 2024
£
49,010
-
82,217 247,268 (280,475) - 49,010

13. Transactions with Trustees

None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.

No trustee expenses have been incurred.

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Oxford Bach Soloists Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 August 2025

14. Related Party Disclosures

Key management personnel (including directors) received compensation of £30,576 (2024: £30,576).

Katie Ambrose is the General Manager of the Charity. The General Manager of the charity is a related party. The General Manager’s remuneration is determined by the trustees.

No trustees received remuneration in the year (2024 - the same). No trustees received reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses (2024 - the same).

There are no other reportable related parties or transactions.

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report		 Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees
On accounts for the year
ended
Set out on pages		 Oxford Bach Soloists
31 August 2025
Charity no
(if any)
1172192
10-17
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended31/08/2025.

Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I 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, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

I 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.

Signed:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
Address:		 11/06/2026
Caroline Webster
FCA
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Suite I Windrush Court
Abingdon

IER

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OX14 1SY

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

IER

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