OPUS 48
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[st] AUGUST 2025
Charity number 1179938
OPUS 48
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 31[st] AUGUST 2025
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
TRUSTEES:
As of AGM ~~7~~[th] July 2025 Joanna Crown stood down and re-elected Richard Green stood down and re-elected Fiona Cuthbertson Sorrel Young Gemma Guest Katherine Roberts Benjamin Selby Neil Pratt stood down Brian Tibbels Derek Stone
PRINCIPAL OFFICE ADDRESS: 57 Plater Drive Oxford OX2 6QU CHARITY NUMBER: 1179938 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Felicity McCallum ICAEW Chartered Accountant
OPUS 48
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 31[st] AUGUST 2025
INTRODUCTION
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2025.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 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 (FRS 102) issued in 2019. The legal and administrative information set out below forms part of this report.
OUR OBJECTIVES, VALUES AND ACTIVITIES
The objectives of the charity are to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and the science of music in all its aspects by any means the trustees see fit, including the presentation of public concerts and recitals.
Our core values include challenging our singers to improve and fulfil their potential, promoting team spirit and enjoyment, and achieving levels of communication between singers, conductor and instrumentalists to produce truly collaborative performances.
For income the charity relies principally on membership subscriptions, income from ticket sales and the support of ‘Friends’ to cover operating costs.
In pursuing our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees take account of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’. With this in mind, we seek to foster good relationships with the local community and to engage many different groups of listeners, primarily through performances of a wide range of choral music in different venues in Oxford. Part of our remit is to give back to the local community through occasional open rehearsals and ‘come and sing’ events, and working with young people in education in inspirational ways. In pricing subscriptions and events, we give particular attention to creating affordable opportunities for young musicians under 30.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Opus 48 was registered as a charity (CIO) on 14[th] September 2018. The charity is governed in accordance with its constitution, and by the policies and decisions made from time to time by the trustees. The trustees take a collaborative approach, delegating tasks, where appropriate, to individual teams who report back on those tasks at trustee meetings.
Procedures for the appointment, retirement and removal of trustees are set out in our constitution. None of the trustees receive remuneration or other financial benefit from their work. In accordance with the requirements of our constitution, three trustees resigned at the last AGM . Two of them offered themselves up for re-election and were re-elected.
An AGM must be held every 15 months. The most recent AGM took place on 7[th] July 2025.
OPUS 48 REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 31[st] AUGUST 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS
As a medium-sized choral society for Oxfordshire and beyond, we strive to deliver high quality choral concerts while maintaining the financial security of the choir. In 2024-2025 the choir continued to build on its reputation for excellence with regular rehearsals and a full programme of concerts and workshops over the year. The membership of the choir remains steady, with 81 members as of the end of this reporting year. A continued intentional approach on member recruitment has maintained a healthy performing base of singers - with over 10 new members recruited during this season.
A member survey conducted in July 2025 highlighted the continued strength of Opus 48 and the value members place on both the musical and social aspects of the choir. More than 75 members rated their overall experience at an average of over 9.1 out of 10, reflecting exceptionally high levels of satisfaction. Members particularly valued Opus 48’s commitment to excellence, the opportunity to be part of an engaged and ambitious group of singers, and the supportive, friendly atmosphere within the choir. Feedback also praised the high quality of performances, David Crown's strong musical leadership, and the sense of pride and community fostered through participation, demonstrating both the choir’s ongoing commitment to its members and the appreciation audiences continue to show for its work.
September began with a regular workshop, previewing music scheduled for the November concert, including Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Rutter’s Requiem. The workshop was followed by a “Come and Sing” event in October, giving non-members an opportunity to sing with the choir informally. This remains an important means of recruiting new members. The November concert was followed by a Christmas concert, featuring music by Charpentier, Palestrina, Lassus and Praetorius.
The spring season began with a second workshop, at which the choir was introduced to Mendelssohn’s Elijah, a piece they would be performing at the concert in March. Once again, the choir rose to the occasion, delivering the drama, colour and intensity that this piece requires in front of a captivated audience at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre.
The summer season started with our third workshop, followed by rehearsals for a summer concert of operatic choruses, at St Andrew’s Church in Summertown. As a lot of the music is well known, the July concert proved to be a great success, both musically and in attendance.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have continued a management approach which ensures that risks are raised and reviewed regularly at trustee meetings. The meeting structure requires that team members submit reports prior to the meeting highlighting any potential issues to be discussed.
Operational risks, to be managed during the season, relate mainly to ensuring that concert venues are booked in advance, music sourced, and workshops and rehearsals properly scheduled. In addition, the choir continues to audition potential new members throughout the year, to maintain numbers and to ensure the long-term vitality of the choir. New members are sourced through a range of advertising methods, including ‘Come and Sing’ events, word of mouth and social media.
OPUS 48
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 31[st] AUGUST 2025
Financial risks stem from rising costs for venues, music, and musicians, as well as uncertainties about box office revenue. The trustees manage the financial uncertainty at the start of the year by putting in place a robust budget for the choir’s activities for the year. The budget is based on conservative assumptions for ticket sales and costs, and potential downside risks such as cancellation costs due to the reimposition of Covid restrictions or other unforeseen events.
RESERVES
The trustees have a policy that incorporates a target level of reserves of £15,000 in normal operating conditions. The cash reserve on 31[st] August 2025 was £22,800. This is lower than the cash reserve of £29,289 on 31[st] August 2024, but still comfortably above the £15,000 target level. Net assets decreased from £27,069 to £21,804. The trustees expect cash reserves to remain above target levels in 2025/2026.
The trustees intend to continue to manage cash reserves in a way that is prudent, while making effective use of the available cash.
DECLARATIONS
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature
Full name Joanna Crown Position Chair of the trustees Date 7 June 2026
Income and Expenditure Account
Opus 48
For the year ended 31 August 2025
| Income and Expenditure Account Opus 48 For the year ended 31 August 2025 |
Income and Expenditure Account Opus 48 For the year ended 31 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
|
| Turnover | |
| General income | |
| gift aid 3,761 4,404 |
|
| bank interest 118 - |
|
| member subscriptions 20,216 19,799 |
|
| friends scheme 1,762 2,611 |
|
| fundraising 360 327 |
|
| refreshment contributions/sales and costs (122) 422 246 |
|
| music purchase/hire 1,198 4,284 |
|
| Total General income 27,837 31,671 Event income |
|
| ticket sales 20,815 25,563 |
|
| Total Event income 20,815 25,563 |
|
| Total Turnover 48,652 57,234 Cost ofSales |
|
| General runningcosts | |
| conductor fees (rehearsal, audition etc) 8,286 8,394 |
|
| accompanist - rehearsal fees (248) 2,850 2,703 |
|
| venue hire - rehearsals and auditions 2,523 2,632 |
|
| professional support and insurance (226) 756 731 |
|
| IT (225) 555 512 |
|
| purchase of assets 1,111 - |
|
| other 2,141 2,009 |
|
| Total General running costs 18,222 16,980 Event costs |
|
| conductor - concert/event fees (250) 3,180 2,460 |
|
| concert/event musicians - orchestra/accompanists (247) 15,119 9,900 |
|
| concert/event musicians - soloists (246) 4,325 2,100 |
|
| PRS fees (227) (449) 38 |
|
| venue hire - concerts/workshop (243) 6,875 5,262 |
|
| music hire/purchase 1,588 4,327 |
|
| printing and publicity 2,728 2,015 |
|
| ticketing agent commission (253) 2,328 2,595 |
|
| Total Event costs 35,695 28,698 |
|
| Total Cost of Sales 53,917 45,678 |
|
| Surplus/Deficit (5,265) 11,556 |
Profit and Loss for statutory accounts Opus 48
8 May 2026 Page 1 of 1
Balance Sheet
Opus 48 As at 31 August 2025
| Balance Sheet Opus 48 As at 31 August 2025 |
Balance Sheet Opus 48 As at 31 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| 31 AUG 2025 31 AUG 2024 |
|
| CurrentAssets | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | |
| Lloyds 32 day notice 15,118 - |
|
| Lloyds current account 7,682 29,290 |
|
| Total Cash at bank and in hand 22,800 29,290 |
|
| Prepayments 2,876 - |
|
| Total Current Assets 25,676 29,290 Creditors: amountsfalling duewithinone year |
|
| accounts Payable 810 750 |
|
| deferred revenue 2,185 96 |
|
| Event costs not yet paid 876 1,375 |
|
| Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 3,872 2,221 |
|
| Net Current Assets (Liabilities) 21,804 27,069 |
|
| Total Assets less Current Liabilities 21,804 27,069 |
|
| Net Assets 21,804 27,069 Capital andReserves |
|
| Current Year Earnings (5,265) 11,556 |
|
| retained Earnings 27,069 15,513 |
|
| Total Capital and Reserves 21,804 27,069 |
30 May 2026 Page 1 of 1
Balance Sheet Opus 48
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees OPUS 48
On accounts for the year 31[ST] AUGUST 2025 Charity no 1179938 ended (if any) Set out on pages 6-7 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/ 08 / 2025 .
Responsibilities and basis As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the 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.
Independent examiner's ~~[The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to~~ statement ~~undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body~~ ]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination ~~(other than that disclosed below *) w~~ hich gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
1
Oct 2018
IER
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
28/05/2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| FELICITY CLARE MCCALLUM | |||
| ACA (ICAEW) | |||
| 313 WOODSTOCK ROAD | |||
| OXFORD OX2 7NY | |||
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).
2
Oct 2018
IER
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
3
Oct 2018
IER