FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31st OCTOBER 2023
Charitable company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital
Company number: 12981274
Charity number: 1194030
INDEX
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION.........................................................2 TRUSTEES' REPORT............................................................................................................. 3 Objectives of the Charity.................................................................................................... 3 Structure, governance and management...........................................................................3 Achievements and performances.......................................................................................3 Public benefit......................................................................................................................5 Fundraising and fundraising practices................................................................................6 Financial review..................................................................................................................7 Reserves............................................................................................................................ 7 Risk review.........................................................................................................................7 TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................8 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS............................................ 9 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023................................................................. 10 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023................................................................. 12
1
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity Name Ensemble OrQuesta Trustees and Directors Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman appointed 26 July 2022) Oliver Doyle Dr Carolyn May Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer) Musical Director Marcio da Silva Company Manager Helen May Registered Office 81 Battle Road, St. Leonards-On-Sea, England, TN37 7AB Registered Company Number 12981274 Registered Charity Number 1194030 Solicitors Reed Smith The Broadgate Tower 20 Primrose Street London EC2A 2RS Bankers Metro Bank 4-8 St John’s Road Clapham London SW11 1PN Website www.ensembleorquesta.com
2
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Trustees, who are also the Directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting the annual report together with the independently examined financial statements of Ensemble OrQuesta for the year ended 31st October 2023. These are also prepared to meet the requirement for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and are presented in accordance with the guidance of SORP 2019. The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission Guidance in respect of Public Benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities. In particular, they have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.
Objectives of the Charity
The Charity’s objectives are:
-
To promote art for the benefit of the public by the production and performance of early opera; and
-
Locating, editing, adapting and publishing early music that is otherwise inaccessible to the general public.
Structure, governance and management
The Musical Director, Marcio da Silva, and Company Manager, Helen May, who are not Trustees, run all aspects of the day – to – day business of the Charity and are responsible for business planning and fund-raising efforts.
The Board approves the annual business plan and monitors the performance of the Charity against the Plan during the year. It also approves any strategic decisions, financial commitments and monitors any significant risks facing the Charity.
Achievements and performances
October 30 2022 - October 31 2023
We opened the 2022-23 Season with a series of EO Recitals across Putney, Winchelsea and Hyde Park between November and January. Recitals are crucial for not only reaching new audiences and granting our musicians more exposure, but also present an opportunity for further fundraising. The first recital took place in St Margaret’s Church in Putney on 20th November 2022 and included performances of Monteverdi’s Madrigals (Books 7 & 8). This was followed by a Christmas concert by candlelight of Italian Baroque Music, including Vivaldi, Corelli, Valentini, Torelli, Schiassi and Cavalli, in partnership with Winchelsea Arts for Winchelsea Music Festival. EO performed to a packed out audience in St Thomas Church on 16th December 2022. On 22nd January 2023, EO then performed the music of “12”, a preview of a newly constructed piece for EO’s later performance at the Monteverdi Festival
3
in Italy. This performance at St John’s Church, London, used a reduced ensemble and featured EO’s most prolific tenor singer Kieran White.
The new year saw another return by invitation to the recognised fringe venue, The Cockpit, where EO has built a loyal audience base, with a new production and EO edition of Jacquet de La Guerre’s ‘ Céphale et Procris’ between 7th-11th February 2023. For the first time, this was accompanied by a pre-performance Q&A Session on the Saturday evening. The production was stage and music directed by Ensemble OrQuesta’s Artistic Director and not only received strong ★★★★ reviews from The Stage and Plays to See, but we were also delighted to have been invited to take this production to the Grimeborn Festival at the Arcola Theatre from August 29th-September 2nd, 2023. ‘Céphale et Procris’ is an opera by the French composer Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729). It was the first French opera composed by a woman. This is the UK premiere of the work, and Ensemble OrQuesta would like to extend its grateful thanks to Angel Early Music, The Cavalli Foundation, and The Leche Trust for their support of this production.
In February, we were also particularly delighted that Marcio and the Poppea team were recognised as OFFIES Finalists for the ‘Opera Performance’ category with the EO Company and Orchestra performance of Monteverdi’s ‘L’Incoronazione di Poppea’ at the Arcola Theatre, as part of the 2022 Grimeborn Festival. The production was nominated for both the ‘Opera Performance’ and ‘Opera Production’ categories.
Following this successful run of performances and industry recognition, Ensemble OrQuesta Baroque led an exciting Outreach Project , performing Cavalli's ' Musiche Sacre ' at Christ Church in St Leonards-on-Sea on 25th February 2023 in partnership with Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra, using their semi-professional chamber choir, HPO Singers, and their children's choir, HPO Songbirds. Written in the mid-17th century, Cavalli's 'Musiche Sacre' is full of variety, imagination, and experimentation, making it ideal to explore with the combination of groups chosen – young early career professional singers, specialist early music instrumentalists, talented amateur adult singers and enthusiastic children.
Child Poverty (CP) stands at 43% - 156 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. Working Age Poverty (WAP) stands at 28% -116 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. Pensioner Poverty (PP) stands at 36% - 452 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. These workshops aim to demonstrate our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by developing relevant and appropriate strategies for sharing and facilitating access to our work; to build meaningful connections between our performers and community organisations by offering free of charge open workshops and relaxed performance opportunities; and to enhance cultural engagement and foster inter-age community partnerships and collaborations by developing multi-art form opera projects which include elements such as movement, dance, and physical theatre, puppetry, and instrument playing.
This outreach project was followed by two EO Academies . The first was organised with one of our most successful productions to date, with a performance of Monteverdi’s ‘ L’Incoronazione di Poppea ’ between 1st - 11th March. The Academy rehearsals took place in St Leonard’s-on-Sea with performances featuring 14 Academy artists at the Rye Creative Centre in Rye. The next EO Academy saw another cohort of emerging young
4
singers embark upon another very successful EO production, with scintillating performances of Handel’s ‘Alcina’ between 2nd and 3rd June 2023, this time in collaboration with Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra at St John’s Church, St Leonards-on-Sea, with rehearsals continuing to take place in St Leonard’s on Sea.
In order to support the growth of this young charity and with the high profile Monteverdi Festival around the corner and an ambition to approach more London promoters and venues, the Board agreed to merging the Ensemble OrQuesta and EO Academy websites into one modern, optimised and easily manageable new website . This included an extensive replatform and redesign, which has already yielded positive results in terms of online visibility and engagement, with +300% increase in SEO Domain Rating since launching in April.
On 24th June 2023, we had the privilege of being invited to take part in the highly esteemed Monteverdi Festival in Italy, signalling clear recognition of our growing reputation as a leading Baroque Opera Company in the UK, and extremely valuable for our fundraising activities. This saw EO perform a newly constructed pastiche called “La Musica, La ragione del anima - A lyrical monologue with Kieran White” at the Teatro Ponchielli in Cremona, which received positive audience feedback and appraisal, as well as invitations to perform elsewhere.
We approached the end of a successful 2022-23 season by returning to (and opening) the popular Grimeborn Festival with this year’s UK premiere production of ‘ Céphale et Procris’ by French female composer Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. Between 29th August and 2nd September 2023, EO led multiple performances of this rarely performed opera at the recognised fringe theatre, the Arcola, in London. This festival is not only proving to be an effective way of reaching existing opera fans, but also helping build our awareness among audiences in London, which is crucial to our long-term growth as a company. We were particularly pleased to see Ensemble OrQuesta featured in The Telegraph’s ‘Summer 2023 Hot 100’, a highly valuable piece of earned media coverage.
On 20th September 2023, we finished our season with a performance of ‘ Plaisir de Versailles ’ at the Ropetackle Centre in Shoreham by Sea, with music by Charpentier.
Public benefit
The Trustees consider that our activities during the period of:
-
Putting on 10 opera performances of Jacquet de la Guerre’s ‘Céphale et Procris’
-
Running 2 Academies of Monteverdi’s ‘L’Incoronazione di Poppea’ and Handel’s ‘Alcina’ for young early career professional singers
-
Performing 4 recitals across London, East Sussex and West Sussex
-
Performing at 2 festivals including Monteverdi Festival and Winchelsea Festival
-
Running 1 opera workshop with young early career professional singers, specialist early music instrumentalists, talented amateur adult singers and children
-
are in line with Ensemble OrQuesta’s charitable objectives for public benefit.
5
Additionally, we have been able to pay our singers for every performance and have once again performed overseas. In an environment that is not only impacted by the aftermath of the pandemic but also by current economic privations, we have achieved more than many more established businesses in music and entertainment. For this our thanks are due to a committed and talented group of performers, who have given us great confidence in the future of Ensemble OrQuesta.
Fundraising and fundraising practices
Our last report acknowledged that Ensemble OrQuesta tended to be reliant on grants for publication of rarely performed works. Recognising Ensemble OrQuesta’s need to diversify our sources of funding, we have been circumspect in preparing thorough applications to send to a range of other trusts and foundations. We target organisations supporting young professionals and a schedule of targeted grants was built for 2022-23. We generally look to secure between £2-5k per project-based grant, however our preference is always to secure core funding which would allow us more flexibility. These are of course more challenging to secure, with many applications rejected from organisations with less than £50k turnover. To date, we see an approximate 30% rejection rate.
The Board is under the impression that many of these foundations, particularly the Arts Council, prefer larger community-based projects with less ‘obscure’ music (e.g. French baroque) and larger sponsorship, so this is something we will consider for future planning of outreach projects, with more well-known productions (e.g. Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’).
Core Funding
We had success securing £7,500 from the Foyle Foundation to support "core costs".
‘Céphale et Procris’ at The Cockpit
Out of the 7 applications made to support the Cockpit production of ‘Céphale et Procris’, 3 were successful. We received £4,500 from Angel Early Music to support, £3,000 from the Cavalli Foundation and £1,000 from the Leche Trust. We were unable to secure funding from Fenton Arts Trust, Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust (although we were successful in reaching Stage 2 of the application process) and Weinstock Trust.
‘Céphale et Procris’ at The Arcola (Grimeborn)
A round of grant applications was sent for the production of ‘Cephale et Procris’ at Grimeborn (The Arcola Theatre), with full production costs of £20,000, including applications to the Golsoncott Foundation, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Laing Family Trusts, Carr-Gregory Trust and Arts Council. We were successful with 1 out of 6 applications, receiving £3,000 from the Cavalli Foundation. We received no response from the other foundations, despite the production delivering on cultural value with outreach, accessibility and diversity elements required.
Individual donations
We receive regular donations from just three individuals through CAF online, however this presents us with the opportunity to develop a more robust approach to encouraging individual regular donations.
6
We are diligent in our efforts to seek to increase donations from individuals, soliciting regular support from our audiences, supporters of early music and other connections of the Board. Ensemble OrQuesta continues to review its data management procedures and privacy policy to ensure compliance with the GDPR regulations, as both its general mailing list and membership increase. Ensemble OrQuesta does not carry out, or commission, telephone fundraising campaigns.
Financial review
This year reflects a deficit for the year of £1,895, however our reserves were still positive at the year end and totalled £3,038
Benefitting from grants from new sources, our income for the year increased from £30,350 to £64,924.
Our first production of the year, at The Cockpit Theatre was performed at a net cost of £1,197, with support from Angel Early Music, the Cavalli Foundation and the Leche Trust. Our production at The Arcola was performed at a net cost of £1,519 with support from Cavalli Foundation.
Our expenditure is almost entirely directly related to our performances; the Charity currently has no administration or fund-raising costs.
Our acquisition of the Ensemble OrQuesta Academy from Marcio da Silva for no consideration in June 2022 brings us a new source of income in 2022/23. Deposits from Academy participants are treated as income when the performances take place.
The Trustees consider the financial position of the Charity to be satisfactory for an early-stage charity.
Reserves
Until a pattern of income and expenditure has been established, it is not practicable for the Charity to adopt a reserve policy. Our immediate goal is to diversify our sources of income. While we remain at this stage, the Trustees will remain vigilant in minimising overheads and ensuring that no commitments are made to future performances unless we clearly have the funds to meet our obligations.
Risk review
The Trustees have identified financial risk and late cancellation of performances as the biggest risks facing the Charity. To mitigate these risks, the Trustees are active in seeking new sources of grant, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of decisions taken in the year to achieve income diversification. They will also ensure that overheads are kept to a minimum and that performance commitments do not incur obligations in the event of cancellation.
7
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of Ensemble OrQuesta and of its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that Ensemble OrQuesta will continue to operate.
Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of Ensemble OrQuesta and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
By order of the Trustees
Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman) Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer)
28 August 2024
8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31st October 2023.
As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the 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 completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which 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
-
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.
Carl W Read FCCA ACA
28 August 2024
9
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
| FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Unrestricted Funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total October 2023 £ |
Total October 2022 £ |
|
| Income from | |||||
| Grants and donations | 2 | 20,565 | - | 20,565 | 18,383 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
| Total income | 64,924 | - | 64,924 | 30,350 | |
| Expenditure on | |||||
| Charitable Activities | 4 | 66,819 | - | 66,819 | 30,256 |
| Total Expenditure | 66,819 | - | 66,819 | 30,256 | |
| Net Income/(Expenditure) and Net Movement in Funds |
(1,895) | - | (1,895) | 94 | |
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 4,933 | - | 4,933 | 4,839 | |
| Total Funds Carried Forward |
3,038 | - | 3,038 | 4,933 | |
| All the activities above are continuing operations |
All the activities above are continuing operations
10
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Total October 2023 £ |
Total October 2022 £ |
|
| CURRENT ASSETS | 120 | 200 | |
| Debtors | 5 | 4,918 | 9,330 |
| Cash at Bank | 4,918 | 9,530 | |
| Creditors | 6 | (2,000) | (4,597) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS and TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
3,038 | 4,933 | |
| FUNDS | 7 | - | 1,000 |
| Restricted Funds | 3,038 | 3,933 | |
| General Fund | 3,038 | 4,933 | |
-
For the year ended 31st October 2023 the company was entitled to exemption under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.
-
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28th August 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman)
Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer)
28 August 2024
11
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Preparation and Assessment of going concern
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (update effective 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity is in its infancy and has yet to establish a predictable pattern of fund-raising. The Charity has negligible outgoings and the Trustees will only commit to future performances if adequate funding commitments have been secured. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, as future funding is expected to exceed expenditure.
The functional and presentational currency is £ sterling.
b) Funds
General funds represent the funds of the Charity that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the Charity. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the Charity are unrestricted. Restricted Funds are funds which are used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the Charity for a particular purpose.
c) Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
d) Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
12
All expenses, including support and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.
2) GRANTS & DONATIONS
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants: | ||||
| Foyle Foundation | 7,500 | - | 7,500 | - |
| Angel Early Music | 6,000 | - | 6,000 | - |
| Total grants | 13,500 | - | 13,500 | 17,000 |
| Donations | 7,065 | - | 7,065 | 1,383 |
| 20,565 | - | 20,565 | 18,383 | |
| Donations include gift aid claimed where applicable |
Donations include gift aid claimed where applicable
3) CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance income | 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
| 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
4) CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
| Activities Undertaken Directly £ |
Support Costs £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance costs | 65,983 | 836 | 66,819 | 30,256 |
| 65,983 | 836 | 66,819 | 30,256 |
Key Management Personnel comprise the Musical Director, Company Manager, Financial Officer and the Trustees. The Musical Director and Company Manager are remunerated on a
13
fee basis per production and performance; The Musical Director was paid £2,700 during the year, and the Company Manager was paid £1,800 during the year, giving the total of £4,500 classified as ‘salary’ in the accounts. The total ‘staff’ costs to cover members of the Ensemble OrQuesta and Ensemble OrQuesta Academy came to £2,400. The Trustees receive no remuneration.
5) DEBTORS
| October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Prepayments | 120 | 200 |
| 120 | 200 |
6) CREDITORS
| October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Deferred income | 2,000 | 4,597 |
| 2,000 | 4,597 |
7) RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows:
| Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted £ |
Unrestricted £ |
Total £ |
|
| Fixed Assets | - | - | - |
| Net Current Assets | - | 3,038 | 3,038 |
| - | 3,038 | 3,038 |
8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Small, regular individual donations were made by trustees Keith Wallace (resigned from the Board on 31st December 2022), Sabrina Rodriguez and Carolyn May through CAF online. No Grants were provided by related parties in this financial year.
14
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31st OCTOBER 2023
Charitable company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital
Company number: 12981274
Charity number: 1194030
INDEX
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION.........................................................2 TRUSTEES' REPORT............................................................................................................. 3 Objectives of the Charity.................................................................................................... 3 Structure, governance and management...........................................................................3 Achievements and performances.......................................................................................3 Public benefit......................................................................................................................5 Fundraising and fundraising practices................................................................................6 Financial review..................................................................................................................7 Reserves............................................................................................................................ 7 Risk review.........................................................................................................................7 TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES...........................................................................................8 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS............................................ 9 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023................................................................. 10 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023................................................................. 12
1
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity Name Ensemble OrQuesta Trustees and Directors Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman appointed 26 July 2022) Oliver Doyle Dr Carolyn May Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer) Musical Director Marcio da Silva Company Manager Helen May Registered Office 81 Battle Road, St. Leonards-On-Sea, England, TN37 7AB Registered Company Number 12981274 Registered Charity Number 1194030 Solicitors Reed Smith The Broadgate Tower 20 Primrose Street London EC2A 2RS Bankers Metro Bank 4-8 St John’s Road Clapham London SW11 1PN Website www.ensembleorquesta.com
2
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Trustees, who are also the Directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting the annual report together with the independently examined financial statements of Ensemble OrQuesta for the year ended 31st October 2023. These are also prepared to meet the requirement for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and are presented in accordance with the guidance of SORP 2019. The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission Guidance in respect of Public Benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities. In particular, they have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.
Objectives of the Charity
The Charity’s objectives are:
-
To promote art for the benefit of the public by the production and performance of early opera; and
-
Locating, editing, adapting and publishing early music that is otherwise inaccessible to the general public.
Structure, governance and management
The Musical Director, Marcio da Silva, and Company Manager, Helen May, who are not Trustees, run all aspects of the day – to – day business of the Charity and are responsible for business planning and fund-raising efforts.
The Board approves the annual business plan and monitors the performance of the Charity against the Plan during the year. It also approves any strategic decisions, financial commitments and monitors any significant risks facing the Charity.
Achievements and performances
October 30 2022 - October 31 2023
We opened the 2022-23 Season with a series of EO Recitals across Putney, Winchelsea and Hyde Park between November and January. Recitals are crucial for not only reaching new audiences and granting our musicians more exposure, but also present an opportunity for further fundraising. The first recital took place in St Margaret’s Church in Putney on 20th November 2022 and included performances of Monteverdi’s Madrigals (Books 7 & 8). This was followed by a Christmas concert by candlelight of Italian Baroque Music, including Vivaldi, Corelli, Valentini, Torelli, Schiassi and Cavalli, in partnership with Winchelsea Arts for Winchelsea Music Festival. EO performed to a packed out audience in St Thomas Church on 16th December 2022. On 22nd January 2023, EO then performed the music of “12”, a preview of a newly constructed piece for EO’s later performance at the Monteverdi Festival
3
in Italy. This performance at St John’s Church, London, used a reduced ensemble and featured EO’s most prolific tenor singer Kieran White.
The new year saw another return by invitation to the recognised fringe venue, The Cockpit, where EO has built a loyal audience base, with a new production and EO edition of Jacquet de La Guerre’s ‘ Céphale et Procris’ between 7th-11th February 2023. For the first time, this was accompanied by a pre-performance Q&A Session on the Saturday evening. The production was stage and music directed by Ensemble OrQuesta’s Artistic Director and not only received strong ★★★★ reviews from The Stage and Plays to See, but we were also delighted to have been invited to take this production to the Grimeborn Festival at the Arcola Theatre from August 29th-September 2nd, 2023. ‘Céphale et Procris’ is an opera by the French composer Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729). It was the first French opera composed by a woman. This is the UK premiere of the work, and Ensemble OrQuesta would like to extend its grateful thanks to Angel Early Music, The Cavalli Foundation, and The Leche Trust for their support of this production.
In February, we were also particularly delighted that Marcio and the Poppea team were recognised as OFFIES Finalists for the ‘Opera Performance’ category with the EO Company and Orchestra performance of Monteverdi’s ‘L’Incoronazione di Poppea’ at the Arcola Theatre, as part of the 2022 Grimeborn Festival. The production was nominated for both the ‘Opera Performance’ and ‘Opera Production’ categories.
Following this successful run of performances and industry recognition, Ensemble OrQuesta Baroque led an exciting Outreach Project , performing Cavalli's ' Musiche Sacre ' at Christ Church in St Leonards-on-Sea on 25th February 2023 in partnership with Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra, using their semi-professional chamber choir, HPO Singers, and their children's choir, HPO Songbirds. Written in the mid-17th century, Cavalli's 'Musiche Sacre' is full of variety, imagination, and experimentation, making it ideal to explore with the combination of groups chosen – young early career professional singers, specialist early music instrumentalists, talented amateur adult singers and enthusiastic children.
Child Poverty (CP) stands at 43% - 156 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. Working Age Poverty (WAP) stands at 28% -116 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. Pensioner Poverty (PP) stands at 36% - 452 out of 12,599 parishes nationwide. These workshops aim to demonstrate our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by developing relevant and appropriate strategies for sharing and facilitating access to our work; to build meaningful connections between our performers and community organisations by offering free of charge open workshops and relaxed performance opportunities; and to enhance cultural engagement and foster inter-age community partnerships and collaborations by developing multi-art form opera projects which include elements such as movement, dance, and physical theatre, puppetry, and instrument playing.
This outreach project was followed by two EO Academies . The first was organised with one of our most successful productions to date, with a performance of Monteverdi’s ‘ L’Incoronazione di Poppea ’ between 1st - 11th March. The Academy rehearsals took place in St Leonard’s-on-Sea with performances featuring 14 Academy artists at the Rye Creative Centre in Rye. The next EO Academy saw another cohort of emerging young
4
singers embark upon another very successful EO production, with scintillating performances of Handel’s ‘Alcina’ between 2nd and 3rd June 2023, this time in collaboration with Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra at St John’s Church, St Leonards-on-Sea, with rehearsals continuing to take place in St Leonard’s on Sea.
In order to support the growth of this young charity and with the high profile Monteverdi Festival around the corner and an ambition to approach more London promoters and venues, the Board agreed to merging the Ensemble OrQuesta and EO Academy websites into one modern, optimised and easily manageable new website . This included an extensive replatform and redesign, which has already yielded positive results in terms of online visibility and engagement, with +300% increase in SEO Domain Rating since launching in April.
On 24th June 2023, we had the privilege of being invited to take part in the highly esteemed Monteverdi Festival in Italy, signalling clear recognition of our growing reputation as a leading Baroque Opera Company in the UK, and extremely valuable for our fundraising activities. This saw EO perform a newly constructed pastiche called “La Musica, La ragione del anima - A lyrical monologue with Kieran White” at the Teatro Ponchielli in Cremona, which received positive audience feedback and appraisal, as well as invitations to perform elsewhere.
We approached the end of a successful 2022-23 season by returning to (and opening) the popular Grimeborn Festival with this year’s UK premiere production of ‘ Céphale et Procris’ by French female composer Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. Between 29th August and 2nd September 2023, EO led multiple performances of this rarely performed opera at the recognised fringe theatre, the Arcola, in London. This festival is not only proving to be an effective way of reaching existing opera fans, but also helping build our awareness among audiences in London, which is crucial to our long-term growth as a company. We were particularly pleased to see Ensemble OrQuesta featured in The Telegraph’s ‘Summer 2023 Hot 100’, a highly valuable piece of earned media coverage.
On 20th September 2023, we finished our season with a performance of ‘ Plaisir de Versailles ’ at the Ropetackle Centre in Shoreham by Sea, with music by Charpentier.
Public benefit
The Trustees consider that our activities during the period of:
-
Putting on 10 opera performances of Jacquet de la Guerre’s ‘Céphale et Procris’
-
Running 2 Academies of Monteverdi’s ‘L’Incoronazione di Poppea’ and Handel’s ‘Alcina’ for young early career professional singers
-
Performing 4 recitals across London, East Sussex and West Sussex
-
Performing at 2 festivals including Monteverdi Festival and Winchelsea Festival
-
Running 1 opera workshop with young early career professional singers, specialist early music instrumentalists, talented amateur adult singers and children
-
are in line with Ensemble OrQuesta’s charitable objectives for public benefit.
5
Additionally, we have been able to pay our singers for every performance and have once again performed overseas. In an environment that is not only impacted by the aftermath of the pandemic but also by current economic privations, we have achieved more than many more established businesses in music and entertainment. For this our thanks are due to a committed and talented group of performers, who have given us great confidence in the future of Ensemble OrQuesta.
Fundraising and fundraising practices
Our last report acknowledged that Ensemble OrQuesta tended to be reliant on grants for publication of rarely performed works. Recognising Ensemble OrQuesta’s need to diversify our sources of funding, we have been circumspect in preparing thorough applications to send to a range of other trusts and foundations. We target organisations supporting young professionals and a schedule of targeted grants was built for 2022-23. We generally look to secure between £2-5k per project-based grant, however our preference is always to secure core funding which would allow us more flexibility. These are of course more challenging to secure, with many applications rejected from organisations with less than £50k turnover. To date, we see an approximate 30% rejection rate.
The Board is under the impression that many of these foundations, particularly the Arts Council, prefer larger community-based projects with less ‘obscure’ music (e.g. French baroque) and larger sponsorship, so this is something we will consider for future planning of outreach projects, with more well-known productions (e.g. Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’).
Core Funding
We had success securing £7,500 from the Foyle Foundation to support "core costs".
‘Céphale et Procris’ at The Cockpit
Out of the 7 applications made to support the Cockpit production of ‘Céphale et Procris’, 3 were successful. We received £4,500 from Angel Early Music to support, £3,000 from the Cavalli Foundation and £1,000 from the Leche Trust. We were unable to secure funding from Fenton Arts Trust, Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust (although we were successful in reaching Stage 2 of the application process) and Weinstock Trust.
‘Céphale et Procris’ at The Arcola (Grimeborn)
A round of grant applications was sent for the production of ‘Cephale et Procris’ at Grimeborn (The Arcola Theatre), with full production costs of £20,000, including applications to the Golsoncott Foundation, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Laing Family Trusts, Carr-Gregory Trust and Arts Council. We were successful with 1 out of 6 applications, receiving £3,000 from the Cavalli Foundation. We received no response from the other foundations, despite the production delivering on cultural value with outreach, accessibility and diversity elements required.
Individual donations
We receive regular donations from just three individuals through CAF online, however this presents us with the opportunity to develop a more robust approach to encouraging individual regular donations.
6
We are diligent in our efforts to seek to increase donations from individuals, soliciting regular support from our audiences, supporters of early music and other connections of the Board. Ensemble OrQuesta continues to review its data management procedures and privacy policy to ensure compliance with the GDPR regulations, as both its general mailing list and membership increase. Ensemble OrQuesta does not carry out, or commission, telephone fundraising campaigns.
Financial review
This year reflects a deficit for the year of £1,895, however our reserves were still positive at the year end and totalled £3,038
Benefitting from grants from new sources, our income for the year increased from £30,350 to £64,924.
Our first production of the year, at The Cockpit Theatre was performed at a net cost of £1,197, with support from Angel Early Music, the Cavalli Foundation and the Leche Trust. Our production at The Arcola was performed at a net cost of £1,519 with support from Cavalli Foundation.
Our expenditure is almost entirely directly related to our performances; the Charity currently has no administration or fund-raising costs.
Our acquisition of the Ensemble OrQuesta Academy from Marcio da Silva for no consideration in June 2022 brings us a new source of income in 2022/23. Deposits from Academy participants are treated as income when the performances take place.
The Trustees consider the financial position of the Charity to be satisfactory for an early-stage charity.
Reserves
Until a pattern of income and expenditure has been established, it is not practicable for the Charity to adopt a reserve policy. Our immediate goal is to diversify our sources of income. While we remain at this stage, the Trustees will remain vigilant in minimising overheads and ensuring that no commitments are made to future performances unless we clearly have the funds to meet our obligations.
Risk review
The Trustees have identified financial risk and late cancellation of performances as the biggest risks facing the Charity. To mitigate these risks, the Trustees are active in seeking new sources of grant, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of decisions taken in the year to achieve income diversification. They will also ensure that overheads are kept to a minimum and that performance commitments do not incur obligations in the event of cancellation.
7
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of Ensemble OrQuesta and of its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing those financial statements, Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that Ensemble OrQuesta will continue to operate.
Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of Ensemble OrQuesta and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
By order of the Trustees
Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman) Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer)
28 August 2024
8
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31st October 2023.
As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the 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 completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which 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
-
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.
Carl W Read FCCA ACA
28 August 2024
9
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
| FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 | FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Unrestricted Funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total October 2023 £ |
Total October 2022 £ |
|
| Income from | |||||
| Grants and donations | 2 | 20,565 | - | 20,565 | 18,383 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
| Total income | 64,924 | - | 64,924 | 30,350 | |
| Expenditure on | |||||
| Charitable Activities | 4 | 66,819 | - | 66,819 | 30,256 |
| Total Expenditure | 66,819 | - | 66,819 | 30,256 | |
| Net Income/(Expenditure) and Net Movement in Funds |
(1,895) | - | (1,895) | 94 | |
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 4,933 | - | 4,933 | 4,839 | |
| Total Funds Carried Forward |
3,038 | - | 3,038 | 4,933 | |
| All the activities above are continuing operations |
All the activities above are continuing operations
10
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | Total October 2023 £ |
Total October 2022 £ |
|
| CURRENT ASSETS | 120 | 200 | |
| Debtors | 5 | 4,918 | 9,330 |
| Cash at Bank | 4,918 | 9,530 | |
| Creditors | 6 | (2,000) | (4,597) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS and TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
3,038 | 4,933 | |
| FUNDS | 7 | - | 1,000 |
| Restricted Funds | 3,038 | 3,933 | |
| General Fund | 3,038 | 4,933 | |
-
For the year ended 31st October 2023 the company was entitled to exemption under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.
-
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28th August 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
Sabrina Rodriguez (Chairman)
Caryl Hosein (Financial Officer)
28 August 2024
11
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 2023
1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Preparation and Assessment of going concern
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (update effective 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity is in its infancy and has yet to establish a predictable pattern of fund-raising. The Charity has negligible outgoings and the Trustees will only commit to future performances if adequate funding commitments have been secured. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, as future funding is expected to exceed expenditure.
The functional and presentational currency is £ sterling.
b) Funds
General funds represent the funds of the Charity that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the Charity. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the Charity are unrestricted. Restricted Funds are funds which are used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the Charity for a particular purpose.
c) Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
d) Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
12
All expenses, including support and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings.
2) GRANTS & DONATIONS
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants: | ||||
| Foyle Foundation | 7,500 | - | 7,500 | - |
| Angel Early Music | 6,000 | - | 6,000 | - |
| Total grants | 13,500 | - | 13,500 | 17,000 |
| Donations | 7,065 | - | 7,065 | 1,383 |
| 20,565 | - | 20,565 | 18,383 | |
| Donations include gift aid claimed where applicable |
Donations include gift aid claimed where applicable
3) CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance income | 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
| 44,359 | - | 44,359 | 11,967 |
4) CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
| Activities Undertaken Directly £ |
Support Costs £ |
October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance costs | 65,983 | 836 | 66,819 | 30,256 |
| 65,983 | 836 | 66,819 | 30,256 |
Key Management Personnel comprise the Musical Director, Company Manager, Financial Officer and the Trustees. The Musical Director and Company Manager are remunerated on a
13
fee basis per production and performance; The Musical Director was paid £2,700 during the year, and the Company Manager was paid £1,800 during the year, giving the total of £4,500 classified as ‘salary’ in the accounts. The total ‘staff’ costs to cover members of the Ensemble OrQuesta and Ensemble OrQuesta Academy came to £2,400. The Trustees receive no remuneration.
5) DEBTORS
| October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Prepayments | 120 | 200 |
| 120 | 200 |
6) CREDITORS
| October 2023 £ |
October 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Deferred income | 2,000 | 4,597 |
| 2,000 | 4,597 |
7) RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows:
| Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: | Net assets are allocated between Funds as follows: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted £ |
Unrestricted £ |
Total £ |
|
| Fixed Assets | - | - | - |
| Net Current Assets | - | 3,038 | 3,038 |
| - | 3,038 | 3,038 |
8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Small, regular individual donations were made by trustees Keith Wallace (resigned from the Board on 31st December 2022), Sabrina Rodriguez and Carolyn May through CAF online. No Grants were provided by related parties in this financial year.
14
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustee81 members of On aOunt$ for the year ended 31 OcioeÉR lola Charity no (If any) la987* Set out on page8 lo the paye numbers of atsdrtiOal shLXi4sI I report to the trustees on my examination ol the accounts ol the above charityllhe Trust.) lor the year ended 31.? 1 10 ,, 2ots ResponslbllStles and As the charity Injstees of the Trust, you are responsible lor the preparation basls of report of the accounts in aCcOrdae with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under sedion 145 of the 2011 Act in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable DIrlonS given by the Charity Commission under se(#ion 14515)Ibl ol the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have Ix)me to my attention lolher than Ihal disclosed below ') in connection with the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in acwrdarKe with seclion 130 of the Act or the aixx)unls do not aC[d with the ac(x)unting records Independenl exarniner's statemenl I have no COrrnS arKJ have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understaThJing of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the bffickels if Ihey do not apply. Slgned: Date: ag Name: Relevant professlonal qualif i¢ation(8) or body (If any): Address: L kW. Ck4Q4k P•P IER October 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete il the examiner needs to highlight matters ol concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts= directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brlef detalls of any item8 that the examiner wi$he8 to dlsclose. IER October 2018