Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] April 2022 To 31[st] March 2023
Charity name: The Octandre Ensemble
Charity registration number: 1178461
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance, develop and maintain the public’s appreciation of and education in the art of modern and contemporary music, through the presentation of public concerts championing the work of contemporary composers, and the making and dissemination of recordings. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 | During 2022-2023, Octandre Ensemble gave the world premiere performance of a major commissioned work by Frank Denyer at London Contemporary Music Festival, as well as recording a CD of music by Denyer which included this work; collaborated with Leeds University Ph.D candidate Ed Cooper on a workshop and studio recording (planned for future release) of a substantial new piece; offered composition and contemporary music workshops at Westminster School, culminating in the performance of works for flute, cello and piano by student composers. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making
Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Frank Denyer commission and recording Our long-standing association with Frank Denyer bore fruit with the world premiere performance of a major new work ‘Five Views of the Path’, which took place at Woolwich Works as part of LCMF in June 2022. This was attended by a large and diverse audience, and had the special distinction of being conducted by the composer himself; a rare and special opportunity for many listeners to discover Denyer’s unique music for the first time. Consolidating the value of this performance, Octandre went on to record a portrait CD (for label another timbre) of Denyer’s music, enabling interested listeners to pursue a sustained engagement with his recent work in the context of significant earlier works, also being recorded for the first time. The span of works ranged from ‘Unisons 1 & 3’ (1972), through Broken Music (1992) to ‘Screens’ (2018) and ‘Five Views’ (2022). The recordings took place at Menuhin Hall, Surrey, in August 2022. Sessions were conducted by Co-Artistic Director Jon Hargreaves and featured distinguished guest artists Juliette Fraser (voice) and Ben Gilmore (violin) alongside regular ensemble members. The recordings were made by Robert Bosch, a long-time collaborator of the composer, and were supervised by Frank Denyer. In addition to their inherent musical value and the obvious benefit to the composer and artists involved, these recordings serve as an essential document of a performance practice and will become reference recordings for future musicians engaging with this music. Ed Cooper Workshop and Recording In February 2023 we workshopped initial sketches for a new work “As far as… unloving still.. down on your stomach…” by Ed Cooper (Leeds University) as part of a project funded by WRoCAH. This process was of direct artistic/educational benefit to the composer and also resulted in a subsequent studio recording, which will lead to wider dissemination in due course. Westminster School Workshop Continuing an existing relationship, we returned to Westminster School on February 7th 2023 to deliver a composition masterclass/workshop, exploring writing for flute, cello and piano, led by Christian Mason. This session was of direct benefit to the six participating students, each of whom received dedicated individual workshop time, as well as a final performance. The benefit also extended to the audience of fellow students and parents who were able to observe the creative process in action. |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Frank Denyer commission and recording Our long-standing association with Frank Denyer bore fruit with the world premiere performance of a major new work ‘Five Views of the Path’, which took place at Woolwich Works as part of LCMF in June 2022. This was attended by a large and diverse audience, and had the special distinction of being conducted by the composer himself; a rare and special opportunity for many listeners to discover Denyer’s unique music for the first time. Consolidating the value of this performance, Octandre went on to record a portrait CD (for label another timbre) of Denyer’s music, enabling interested listeners to pursue a sustained engagement with his recent work in the context of significant earlier works, also being recorded for the first time. The span of works ranged from ‘Unisons 1 & 3’ (1972), through Broken Music (1992) to ‘Screens’ (2018) and ‘Five Views’ (2022). The recordings took place at Menuhin Hall, Surrey, in August 2022. Sessions were conducted by Co-Artistic Director Jon Hargreaves and featured distinguished guest artists Juliette Fraser (voice) and Ben Gilmore (violin) alongside regular ensemble members. The recordings were made by Robert Bosch, a long-time collaborator of the composer, and were supervised by Frank Denyer. In addition to their inherent musical value and the obvious benefit to the composer and artists involved, these recordings serve as an essential document of a performance practice and will become reference recordings for future musicians engaging with this music. Ed Cooper Workshop and Recording In February 2023 we workshopped initial sketches for a new work “As far as… unloving still.. down on your stomach…” by Ed Cooper (Leeds University) as part of a project funded by WRoCAH. This process was of direct artistic/educational benefit to the composer and also resulted in a subsequent studio recording, which will lead to wider dissemination in due course. Westminster School Workshop Continuing an existing relationship, we returned to Westminster School on February 7th 2023 to deliver a composition masterclass/workshop, exploring writing for flute, cello and piano, led by Christian Mason. This session was of direct benefit to the six participating students, each of whom received dedicated individual workshop time, as well as a final performance. The benefit also extended to the audience of fellow students and parents who were able to observe the creative process in action. |
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of 22/23, no moneys were owed to other parties. The CIO was in receipt of grants from the PRS Foundation, the Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung, WRoCAH, RVW Trust and Marchus Trust. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | At present the need for reserves does not exist as the charity has no ongoing operational costs in terms of salaries or premises and is holding minimal funds for petty cash requirements. Its activities have to date been undertaken on a project-by- project basis, and funds are raised as and when required for each project. The trustees do however intend to review this regularly and when necessary to address the question of forming a policy for reserves. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | As above there is no reserves policy in place. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | As above there is no reserves policy in place. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | The CIO has no funds or subsidiary undertakings that are materially in deficit |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | At the date of approving the report and accounts, there are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The source of funding for the CIO during the period 2022/23 was payments from hirers (LCMF, Westminster School) and awards from: • WRoCAH • RVW Trust, • PRS Foundation • Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung (Munich) • Marchus Trust |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Cons%tu%on |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisa%on |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Appointed by resolu%on |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Octandre Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1178461 |
| Charity’s principal address | 21 Polsted Road, London SE6 4YH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 2 3 4 |
Richard Bernas |
Chair | ||
| Sarah Holford | ||||
| Guillaume Descottes |
||||
| Christian Mason |
Treasurer |
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional ~~information)~~
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Christian Mason Position (eg Treasurer Secretary, Chair, etc) Date 22nd December, 2023
Annual accounts for 2022 – 2023
| INCOME | |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward from 31 March 2022 | £ 11689.39 |
| Hire of Ensemble | £5150 |
| Grants/Awards | £12,560.88 |
| TOTAL INCOME | £17710.88 |
| PLUS BROUGHT FORWARD | £29400.27 |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Venue Hire | £2770.80 |
| Percussion Hire | £357.20 |
| Equipment purchase | £528.43 |
| Porterage | £301.30 |
| Artists’ Travel costs (inc. ULEZ charges) | £62 |
| Catering | £45.25 |
| Accountancy | £360 |
| Bank Charges | £60 |
| SUB-TOTAL | £4484.98 |
| Musicians’ fees | £14580.79 |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | £19065.77 |
| BALANCE IN BANK ACCOUNT | £10334.50 |
| LESS COMMITTED FUNDS: | £805.20 |
| LESS ALLOCATED FUNDS: | £0 |
| TOTAL OF COMMITTED & ALLOCATED FUNDS | £805.20 |
| WORKING ACCOUNT BALANCE | £9529.30 |