Trustees Report 2020-21
Trustees
Ben Jennings Chris Block Christina Leigh Clive Block
At their meeting on 5[th] June 2021 the remaining trustees made the decision to seek additional trustees as the number of trustees is only just above the minimum required by the orchestra’s constitution (3). The appointment of new trustees will take place at the 2021 AGM in accordance with the charity’s constitution.
Orchestra Development
The trustees remain committed to the original objective for the orchestra, which was to provide an exciting platform for high-quality musicians (amateur through to professional) to experience top-quality conductors, varied repertoire and a more focused, friendly setting in which to perform orchestral music. By maintaining this ethos, the orchestra has established a widely held reputation as Dorset’s premier amateur orchestra and has thrived.
Responsibility for the running of the orchestra and ensuring legal and Charity Commission compliance rests with the trustees, but the trustees may also co-opt members to assist with the running of the orchestra. Throughout the season the trustees have been assisted by Tom Kidman who continues to have responsibility for the website and online activity and Alexa Cross who is our press officer and is also involved with publicity. The trustees wish to express their gratitude for the terrific contribution they have made.
AGM 2020
The AGM was held on 6[th] September at 7.00 pm, but due to the prevailing pandemic restrictions the meeting was held online via Zoom.
21 members were ‘present’ plus all 4 trustees. Apologies were received from 11 members.
In August 2020 Mary Faulkner resigned as a trustee, but will continue to support the orchestra as a member. The remaining trustees wish to place
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on record their thanks and appreciation for the contribution she made to the charity’s development and success.
Income for 2019-20 was £11,994 and expenditure £8,102 13,213 resulting in a surplus of £3,892 In addition Ben reported that a Gift Aid payment from HMRC of over £700 was imminent.
The orchestra’s season and financial year runs from 1[st] October to 30[th] September and in common with both amateur and professional orchestras the planned programme was badly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, the trustees were delighted to report on another successful season with significant growth in revenue and audiences.
2020-2021 Season
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to deliver the normal season of concerts or the workshop weekend. With uncertainty around the coronavirus situation, it was decided that no public performances would be planned, but standalone day events would be organised comprising a short rehearsal and play-through.
On two occasions early in 2021, attempts were made to organise these short rehearsals at the Spire Centre in Poole. The intention was to initially invite only the string section and to follow this with another session for woodwind and brass, but changes to the lockdown regime meant that neither was possible.
Finally on 13th June the string section of the orchestra were able to play together for the first time in 2021. Held at Parkstone Grammar School for just 1 hour, the players tackled the Brandenburg Concerto No.3, led by Vicky Berry from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
The brass and woodwind players got their first chance to meet on 20th June to play Rodrigo, Adagio for Wind Orchestra (woodwind, brass & percussion only). Returning to Magna Sinfonia to conduct the 1-hour session was Kevin Smith.
Further relaxations of covid restrictions allowed the full orchestra to meet for 3 hours on July 11th. They tackled Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and were conducted by Cayenna Ponchione.
Sunday 12[th] August, Parkstone Grammar School Star Wars Suite with conductor Peter Harrison.
A further one day event is also planned for Sunday 12th September, Parkstone Grammar School, Dvořák Symphony No. 6, conductor Kevin Smith
The 2021 AGM is to be held during the lunch break on 12th September.
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Some decisions made during the season were:
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The Making Music platform has still to be fully evaluated and implemented, but is not considered adequate for the orchestra’s website so wix will continue to be used for the website design and publication.
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The idea of claiming Orchestra Tax Relief was dropped as it was considered that the potential return was outweighed by the costs and additional workload in administering the process of claiming.
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Ticketsource, which has been used for audience ticketing for some while, will also be used to simplify the means by which members can sign up for events.
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To seek an additional member to join the committee specifically to take on the role of social secretary.
Plans for the 2021-22 Season’s Programme
Ambitious plans are underway for the coming season though due to uncertainties around Covid plans are not as advanced as they would normally be at this time.
October 25[th]
A project weekend is set to take place at Bournemouth School for Girls where rehearsals and Sunday afternoon playthrough of Shostakovich Symphony 11 will be tackled in front of a limited audience. The conductor for the weekend will be Maxine Tortelier.
February 12[th] 2022
Plans are progressing for a concert to be held at Christchurch Priory in collaboration with Soundstorm, the Music Education Development Agency for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. The repertoire has yet to be finalised, but will have a theme around celebration of the Queen’s platinum jubilee and will be conducted by Jason Thornton.
June 2022
A further concert is planned, though details have yet to be discussed in detail and finalised.
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2020-21 Season Accounts
June Strings Day
EXPENSES: £ 146.00 INCOME: £ 128.46 END: -£ 17.54
June WindBrass Day
EXPENSES: £ 146.00 INCOME: £ 90.50 END: -£ 55.50
July Beethoven
EXPENSES: £ 313.00 INCOME: £ 208.16 END: -£ 104.84
August Star Wars
EXPENSES: £ 819.14 INCOME: £ 254.92 END: -£ 564.22
Administration
EXPENSES: £ 359.82 INCOME: £ 710.96 END: £ 351.14
FoMS & Donations
EXPENSES: £ - INCOME: £ 983.07 END: £ 983.07
Gift Aid Claimable
Total: £ 271.75 to claim
Magna Sinfonia Account
Total Expenses: £ 1,783.96 Total Income: £ 2,376.07
OVERALL +/- £ 592.11
OVERALL + GIFT AID £ 863.86
HSBC Account £ 9,138.26
Petty Cash £ 302.76
TOTAL CAPITAL £ 9,441.02
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