THE BACH CHOIR Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025 THE BACHCHOIR Annual report and financial statements Year ended 3 1 July 2025
Contents
| Item | Page |
|---|---|
| General information | 3 |
| Trustees’ Report | 4 |
| Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities | 8 |
| Independent Examiner’s statement | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 10 |
| Balance sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 12 |
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
2
General information
Patron HM The King President Sir John Rutter, CBE Vice-Presidents Dame Janet Baker, CH, DBE Sam Gordon Clark, CBE Harry Gregson-Williams Dame Felicity Lott, DBE Roderick Williams, OBE
Board of Trustees
Chair Katharine Richman Vice Chair Stephen Hargreaves (until January 2025) Alexander Churchill (from January 2025) Music Director David Hill, MBE Honorary Treasurer Thomas O’Reilly External Trustees Richard Blackford Jo Whitehead Elected Members Julien Allen Alexander Churchill (Vice Chair from January 2025) Jenny Clarke Lily German Jill Pringle Naomi Wordsworth Jim Clifford, OBE (until January 2025) ‘Desola Haastrup (until January 2025;extraordinary board member thereafter) Stephen Hargreaves (until January 2025) Leona Roberts (until January 2025) Mark Anderson (from January 2025) Ali Carter (from January 2025) Laura Plumptre (from January 2025) Rufus Stilgoe (from January 2025)
Secretary to the Board
Harriet Creamer
Organisational information
Administrator Rosie Wennink administrator@thebachchoir.org.uk The Bach Choir, PO Box 61756, London SW1H 0UZ Registered Address C Hoare & Co, 37 Fleet Street, London, EC4P 4DO Bankers The Bach Choir is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Charitable status registered in England and Wales as Charity number 1207346 The choir’s linked predecessor entity is The Bach Choir 18762024, an unincorporated charity, governed by its rules, registered in England & Wales as charity number 258287
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
3
Trustees’ report
Objectives and activities
As one of the world’s leading choruses, The Bach Choir’s aim is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with the magnificence, beauty and emotional power of choral music, through the excellence of its performances, recordings and through community engagement and inclusion.
Reference and Administrative information
Reference and administrative information is set out on the previous page and forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102.
Structure, Governance, and Management
The Bach Choir is governed by its Articles of Association. Overall direction is in the hands of the Board of Trustees. The Chair, Musical Director and Treasurer are appointed annually the Board of Trustees, who are, in turn, elected by the Singing Members and those Associate Members who have recently been Singing Members of the Choir.
The Choir’s musical direction is the responsibility of the Musical Director, while its administration is the responsibility of the Working Group. Both report to the Board of Trustees, which meets about five times a year. Board members are made aware of their responsibilities, as trustees of the Choir, upon election.
The Bach Choir is an independent organisation and, whilst it values its connections with other arts organisations and grant-making organisations, the only related charity is the legacy legal entity for the choir (detailed below).
With effect from 1[st] August 2024, the Choir converted its legal status from an unincorporated association to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and effected a transfer of assets, liabilities, and operations to a new legal entity (registered charity 1207346).
This annual report covers solely the activities of The Bach Choir (registered charity 1207346). Merger accounting has been adopted for the transition to CIO. Comparative figures in the accounts have been adjusted to remove the income and assets relating to the endowment fund which remains with the legacy entity and was not transferred to the CIO. Further information relating to the legacy entity (The Bach Choir 1876-2024, registered charity 258287) can be found in the relevant regulatory filings.
Review of Season
The Bach Choir undertook a full programme of concerts and other engagements during the season. Support was secured for the Choir’s student bursary scheme in the sum of £5,000 (2024 £3,000). Grants and donations in the sum of £30,500 (2024 £24,800) were recognised this year for the Choir’s Community Engagement Programme. This includes donations that fully fund the new commission to be performed at the Community Engagement event in summer 2026.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
4
Trustees’ report (continued)
Live performance
The Choir promoted six concerts during the 2024-25 season, two in the Royal Festival Hall, and one each in Westminster Cathedral, Cadogan Hall, Holy Trinity Sloane Square, and Grand Junction. The Choir also undertook a number of engagements.
The season began with engagements to sing Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 , Holst’s The Planets and Orff’s Carmina Burana at the Royal Albert Hall, the latter with a number of other choruses, conducted by David Hill.
The first major concert was Britten’s War Requiem with the Philharmonia Orchestra in Westminster Cathedral, following which the Choir performed at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.
The Choir took part in four Christmas concerts, three conducted by our President, Sir John Rutter, and its annual Cadogan Hall performance, promoted by the Choir, which was sold out. A capacity audience heard the Choir give a programme of music by Rachmaninoff, Kodaly and Cecilia McDowall in Holy Trinity, Sloane Square in March 2025 and the Choir was invited to perform at Classic FM “Live at the Royal Albert Hall” in a programme of music from films.
Two further concerts, one co-promoted with the Philharmonia Orchestra, were given in the Royal Festival Hall: the annual St Matthew Passion , and a concert featuring Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast and Delius’s The Song of the High Hills , alongside the premiere of a new orchestral work by Richard Blackford, La Sagrada Familia Symphony . This concert was generously supported by the Delius Trust and Deep Harmony Ltd.
Recording and broadcasting
The power of recording and broadcasting as a promotional tool cannot be underestimated. Not only does it help keep The Bach Choir brand in public view but – in the case of broadcasting particularly – it helps further our charitable objective of reaching new audiences who might not otherwise experience the richness of choral music.
The Choir was engaged to sing on an advertisement for a Channel 4 programme and this was recorded in St Augustine’s Kilburn in February 2025.
The Choir was once again part of the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance which was broadcast on BBC Television in November 2024, and the Choir’s performance in Classic FM “Live at the Royal Albert Hall” was recorded for later broadcast on Sky Arts.
The Choir ended the 2024-25 season with a recording of choral classics in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, with the Choir of King’s College and the Britten Sinfonia. The conducting was shared between David Hill and Daniel Hyde.
Community Engagement
The Bach Choir is committed to spreading the joy of choral music to diverse audiences and particularly to those who might not otherwise have exposure to it.
A performance in Grand Junction concluded the Choir’s Vocalise! programme for the year, during which workshops were delivered to children from four schools, and a new piece was commissioned for 2026.
Two ‘in person’ Come and Sing Days were promoted by the Choir in St Gabriel’s Church (Pimlico), one conducted by Sir John Rutter.
Finally, the Choir once again ran its annual Sir David Willcocks Carol Competition, with entries for adult and young (under age 18) composers. The competition attracted over 100 entries, with the winning carol in each category premiered at the choir’s Christmas performance at the Cadogan Hall.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
5
Trustees’ report (continued)
Staffing
Three staff were employed by The Bach Choir during the 2024-25 season. The fulltime Administrator role, which includes supporting the Chair and other trustees, as well as the auditions process, and preparing applications to Trusts and Foundations to support our Community Engagement and Student Bursary funds, was undertaken by Maria Sayers until November 2024 when she left to pursue other opportunities. Rosie Wennink was appointed from November 2024. Josie Cowley worked 50 hours per month as Community Engagement Coordinator and Joe Garvey continued to work three days per week as Digital Marketing Manager.
The financial picture
The board approved an increase to subscription rates of 4.2% for the 2024-25 season. Subscription income from Singing Members, Associate Members, Friends, and long-term absent members rose to £110,245 (2024 – £94,818). We are very grateful to our Friends and Associate Members for their continued support. It remains our belief that no-one should be prevented from singing with the Choir on financial grounds alone, and we are continuously seeking to expand our student membership bursary scheme.
Finally, we place on record our special gratitude to Dixon Wilson for conducting an independent examination of our statutory accounts without fee and for making their immense experience and knowledge available to us.
Reserves
The Choir continues to maintain a healthy level of reserves, with investments of £382,120 and net current assets of £261,497. Nonetheless we continue to review the higher risks involved in promoting our own concerts in what remains an uncertain future and our increasing commitment to marketing and publicity that aims to attract a wider and more diverse audience. The board is particularly cognisant of inflationary pressures increasing the costs of the Choir’s core activities in the coming years.
Funds on 31 July 2025 were £658,670 (2024: £670,784) of which £610,889 (2024: £626,395) represents expendable funds and £47,781 (2024: £44,389) is restricted. Expendable funds consist of unrestricted reserves of £106,050 (2024: £110,207) and designated funds of £504,838 (2024: £516,188). With expendable funds, the Donations fund is designated to be used to support loss-making own-promoted concerts and recordings, the Touring fund to be used to support future tours, and the Friends’ fund to support other Choir initiatives.
Historically, the Choir’s budgeted costs have generally exceeded anticipated revenues, and it relies on charitable donations and sponsorship to bridge this gap. Reserves are required to cover the Choir’s liabilities in the event that such donations and sponsorship are insufficient to cover this gap, and to enable it to plan its future activities, normally up to two years ahead. Reserves are also required by way of contingency to cover the financial impact of unexpected events outside the Choir’s control that might seriously impact the Choir’s revenues, for example the short notice cancellation of concerts as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the year, the trustees reviewed the Choir’s reserves policy. The review concluded the Choir should seek to protect the real value of the Choir’s reserves against inflation, maintain minimum reserves held in cash and cash equivalents to cover 18 months of poor operational and financial performance (such a period being deemed sufficient for the Choir to either alter its commitments to return to a break-even position, and/or sell reserves held in investments to fund further deficits), and generate an income for the Choir to support charitable activities. As at 31[st] July 2025, the minimum cash/cash equivalents reserves level was set at £175,000.
In addition to unrestricted reserves at the year-end of £106,050, the Trustees are also able to use designated funds of £504,838 to meet future general expenditure and on this basis the financial position at the year-end is considered to be adequate.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
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Trustees’ report (continued)
Future plans
The Choir has planned a full programme of concerts and other events to mark its 150[th] anniversary season in 2025-26. These include six concerts promoted by the Choir, the first of which is Mahler’s Symphony No 8 in St Paul’s Cathedral.
An anniversary performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor will be given in May 2026, and the Vocalise! Concert in June will feature the premiere of The Swifts of Summer by Stephanie Jayne Amies, written for children and adult choirs. The Choir will also promote two Come and Sing Days, one conducted by our President, Sir John Rutter.
Promoted concerts are complemented by five engagements to perform for others including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and King’s College, Cambridge.
Public benefit
The trustees have reviewed the public benefit nature of the organisation and consider that it fulfils the requirements of the Charities Act 20II. In particular, the Choir:
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educates and inspires its audiences at concerts and through recordings;
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promotes access for all by performing in a range of geographical locations, ensuring where possible that tickets are available at a range of prices with discounts for students and the unwaged.
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is active in developing the art of choral music, both by commissioning new works and undertaking the first public performance or recording of new works;
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seeks to maintain the public performance of large-scale choral works by promoting its own concerts;
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seeks improvement in standards of public performance of choral works through the impact of its Musical Director; and
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seeks to bring music to new audiences and singers, through its active work on Diversity and Inclusion, its Community Engagement activities in schools and dementia care homes, its Come and Sing days, and by touring in the UK and overseas when possible.
Katharine Richman
Chair
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of The Bach Choir
12[th] January 2026
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
7
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
8
Independent examiner’s statement
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Bach Choir
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable incorporated organisation for the year ended 31 July 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the charitable incorporated organisation you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). You are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under charity law and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the charitable incorporated organisation’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.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable incorporated organisation as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do 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.
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no 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.
S J Wakefield ACA Dixon Wilson 22 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1LS
12 January
2026
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
9
Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31[st] July 2025
| Community | Community | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | Engagement | Student | Bursary | ||||||||||||||||||
| General Fund | Friends Fund | Fund | Touring Fund | Vocalise! Fund | Fund | Recording | Total | Total | |||||||||||||
| Note | (unrestricted) | (designated) | (designated) | (designated) | (restricted) | (restricted) | (restricted) | 31-Jul-25 | 31-Jul-24 | ||||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||||||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscriptions | 4 | 110,245 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 110,245 | 94,818 | |||||||||||
| Friends' donations | - | 1,530 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,530 | 1,296 | ||||||||||||
| Grants | - | - | 17,500 | - | - | 5,000 | - | 22,500 | 3,000 | ||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | 8 | - | - | 22,630 | - | 30,500 | - | - | 53,130 | 64,890 | |||||||||||
| Donations in kind | 16 | 3,500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,500 | 3,500 | |||||||||||
| Investments | 6 | 19,163 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 19,163 | 19,286 | |||||||||||
| Charitable activities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Concert income | 204,846 | - | - | - | 83 | - | - | 204,929 | 204,359 | ||||||||||||
| Choral fees recordings and | |||||||||||||||||||||
| broadcasts | 17,667 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 17,667 | 38,096 | ||||||||||||
| Other income | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Friends' subscriptions | - | 6,102 | - | - | - | - | - | 6,102 | 5,830 | ||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous income | 5 | 4,074 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4,074 | ( | 3,341 ) |
||||||||||
| Fundraising gala | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Total income and endowments | 359,495 | 7,632 | 40,130 | - | 30,583 | 5,000 | - | 442,840 | 431,734 | ||||||||||||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Raising funds | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and publicity | 7 | ( | 29,929 |
) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 29,929 ) |
( | 21,094 ) |
|||||||
| Friends costs | - | ( | 1,152 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | ( | 1,152 ) |
( | 1,474 ) |
|||||||||
| Charitable activities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Concerts | ( | 198,679 |
) | - | ( | 57,960 |
) | - | ( | 8,894 |
) | - | - | ( | 265,533 ) |
( | 223,707 ) |
||||
| Choral fees, recordings and | |||||||||||||||||||||
| broadcasts | ( | 2,182 |
) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 2,182 ) |
( | 5,580 ) |
||||||||
| Community Engagement costs | 7 | - | - | - | - | ( | 15,297 |
) | - | - | ( | 15,297 ) |
( | 16,097 ) |
|||||||
| Commissions | - | - | - | - | ( | 3,000 |
) | - | - | ( | 3,000 ) |
( | 15,141 ) |
||||||||
| Other musical costs | 7 | ( | 63,908 |
) | - | - | - | - | ( | 17,760 ) |
- | ( | 81,668 ) |
( | 78,199 ) |
||||||
| Charity administration | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||
| Pro-bono audit fees | 7 | ( | 3,500 |
) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 3,500 ) |
( | 3,500 ) |
|||||||
| Other expenditure | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other direct costs | ( | 62,374 |
) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 62,374 ) |
( | 54,937 ) |
||||||||
| Prior year items | ( | 260 |
) | - | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 260 ) |
- | |||||||||
| Total expenditure | ( | 360,832 |
) | ( | 1,152 ) |
( | 57,960 |
) | - | ( | 27,191 |
) | ( | 17,760 ) |
- | ( | 464,895 ) |
( | 419,729 ) |
||
| Net gains / (losses) on investments | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealised | 9 | 4,143 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4,143 | 28,283 | |||||||||||
| Gains/(losses) on revaluation | |||||||||||||||||||||
| of heritage assets | 11 | 5,798 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,798 | ( | 5,780 ) |
||||||||||
| Net movement on investments and | |||||||||||||||||||||
| heritage assets | 9,941 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9,941 | 22,503 | ||||||||||||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 8,603 | 6,480 | ( | 17,830 |
) | - | 3,392 | ( | 12,760 ) |
- | ( | 12,114 ) |
34,508 | ||||||||
| Transfer to fund deficit on | |||||||||||||||||||||
| student bursary fund | ( | 12,760 |
) | - | - | - | - | 12,760 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Transfers betweeen funds | ( | 12,760 |
) | - | - | - | - | 12,760 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Net movement in funds | ( | 4,157 |
) | 6,480 | ( | 17,830 |
) | - | 3,392 | - | - | ( | 12,114 ) |
34,508 | |||||||
| Balances brought forward at 1 Aug | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 110,207 | 142,581 | 363,495 | 10,112 | 10,779 | - | 33,610 | 670,784 | 636,276 | ||||||||||||
| Balances carried forward at 1 Aug | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 106,050 | 149,061 | 345,665 | 10,112 | 14,171 | - | 33,610 | 658,670 | 670,784 |
The above movements fully reflect the total recognised gains and losses incurred within each fund. All of the activities of The Bach Choir are continuing. There is no material difference between the net movement in the General Fund for the year, as stated above, and its historical cost equivalent. The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
10
Balance sheet
| As at 31st July | Note | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 7,634 | 1,338 | ||||
| Heritage assets | 11 | 7,415 | 482 | ||||
| Investments | 12 | 382,120 | 377,977 | ||||
| Total fixed assets | 397,169 | 379,797 | |||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Stocks | 13 | 937 | 657 | ||||
| Debtors | 14 | 37,363 | 3,315 | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 291,922 | 311,684 | |||||
| Total current assets | 330,222 | 315,656 | |||||
| Creditors | |||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 15 | ( | 68,725 ) |
( 24,670 ) | |||
| Net current assets | 261,497 | 290,986 | |||||
| Net assets | 658,670 | 670,784 | |||||
| Accumulated funds | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||||
| General fund | 106,050 | 110,207 | |||||
| Total unrestricted funds | 106,050 | 110,207 | |||||
| Designated funds | |||||||
| Donations fund | 8 | 345,665 | 363,495 | ||||
| Friends fund | 149,061 | 142,581 | |||||
| Touring fund | 10,112 | 10,112 | |||||
| Total designated funds | 504,838 | 516,188 | |||||
| Total unrestricted and designated funds | 610,889 | 626,395 | |||||
| Restricted funds | |||||||
| Community Engagement fund | 14,171 | 10,779 | |||||
| Student bursary fund | - | - | |||||
| Recording fund | 33,610 | 33,610 | |||||
| Total restricted funds | 47,781 | 44,389 | |||||
| Total | 658,670 | 670,784 |
The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved on behalf of the Board of Trustees by
Katharine Richman Chair 12[th] January 2026
Thomas O’Reilly Hon. Treasurer 12[th] January 2026
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
11
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of investments, and are in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), effective from 1 January 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Bach Choir is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered in England and Wales as charity number 1207346.
The financial statements are presented in sterling and rounded to the nearest £.
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at their purchase price, together with any incidental expenses of acquisition. Provision for depreciation is made so as to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a straight line basis over the expected useful economic life of the assets concerned. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are: Musical instruments - 20% Office and computer equipment - 25%
Heritage assets
Heritage assets are valued each year and are included in the accounts at the trustees’ assessment of their market value, based on income yields.
Investments
Investments are stated at market value in the balance sheet with realised and unrealised gains and losses being accounted for in the statement of financial activities. Market value is determined as the quoted price in an active market.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
12
Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies (cont.)
Deferred income
In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Payments received relating to the following accounting year such as concert tickets are also deferred.
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.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Income and expenditure
Income is credited and expenditure is charged to the revenue account on an accruals basis, with the exception of donation and legacy income. Donation and grant income is recognised when the charity becomes entitled and there are no conditions attached to it. Legacy income is accounted for on a receivable basis, where the amount can be reliably ascertained. No attempt is made to put a monetary value on volunteer activities.
Donations in kind
Donations in kind represent the cost of donated services received during the year valued at the price which the charity would pay in the open market.
Allocation of expenses
Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Funds
Unrestricted funds are held to cover the charity against the continued financing of activities. Some of the unrestricted funds are “designated funds”, set aside by the trustees to be used for particular purposes.
Restricted funds represent sums given to the charity subject to restrictions as to how the funds can be used. Endowment funds represent sums given to the charity subject to the restriction that they are held as capital.
Transition to CIO
With effect from 1[st] August 2024, the Choir converted its legal status from an unincorporated association to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and effected a transfer of assets, liabilities, and operations to a new legal entity (registered charity 1207346).
This annual report covers solely the activities of The Bach Choir (registered charity 1207346). Merger accounting has been adopted for the transition to CIO. Comparative figures in the accounts have been adjusted to remove the income and assets relating to the endowment fund which remains with the legacy entity and was not transferred to the CIO. Further information relating to the legacy entity (The Bach Choir 1876-2024, registered charity 258287) can be found in the relevant regulatory filings.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
13
Notes to the financial statements
2. Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31 July 2024
| Community | Community | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations | Engagement | Student | Bursary | |||||||||||||||||
| General Fund | Friends Fund | Fund | Touring Fund | Vocalise! Fund | Fund | Recording | Total | Total | ||||||||||||
| Note | (unrestricted) | (designated) | (designated) | (designated) | (restricted) | (restricted) | (restricted) | 31-Jul-24 | 31-Jul-23 | |||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Subscriptions | 4 | 94,818 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 94,818 | 87,778 | ||||||||||
| Friends' donations | - | 1,296 | - | - | - | - | - | 1,296 | 2,215 | |||||||||||
| Grants | - | - | - | - | - | 3,000 | - | 3,000 | 8,000 | |||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | 8 | - | - | 40,090 | - | 24,800 | - | - | 64,890 | 49,444 | ||||||||||
| Donations in kind | 16 | 3,500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,500 | 2,750 | ||||||||||
| Investments | 6 | 19,286 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 19,286 | 13,122 | ||||||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Concert income | 204,359 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 204,359 | 184,376 | |||||||||||
| and broadcasts | 38,096 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 38,096 | 47,668 | |||||||||||
| Other income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Friends' subscriptions | - | 5,830 | - | - | - | - | - | 5,830 | 5,525 | |||||||||||
| Miscellaneous income | 5 | ( | 3,341 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 3,341 ) |
9,640 | ||||||||
| Fundraising gala | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 48,652 | |||||||||||
| Total income and endowments | 356,718 | 7,126 | 40,090 | - | 24,800 | 3,000 | - | 431,734 | 459,170 | |||||||||||
| Expenditure on: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Raising funds | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and publicity | 7 | ( | 21,094 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 21,094 ) |
( | 27,964 ) |
|||||||
| Friends costs | - | ( | 1,474 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | ( | 1,474 ) |
( | 1,834 ) |
||||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Concerts | ( | 189,283 ) |
- | ( | 25,010 ) |
- | ( | 9,414 ) |
- | - | ( | 223,707 ) |
( | 210,570 ) |
||||||
| Choral fees, recordings and | ||||||||||||||||||||
| broadcasts | ( | 5,580 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 5,580 ) |
( | 7,590 ) |
||||||||
| Community Engagement | 7 | - | - | - | - | ( | 16,097 ) |
- | - | ( | 16,097 ) |
( | 13,731 ) |
|||||||
| Commissions | ( | 61 ) |
- | ( | 15,080 ) |
- | - | - | - | ( | 15,141 ) |
- | ||||||||
| Other musical costs | 7 | ( | 66,865 ) |
- | - | - | - | ( | 11,334 ) |
- | ( | 78,199 ) |
( | 73,317 ) |
||||||
| Charity administration | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Pro-bono audit fees | 7 | ( | 3,500 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 3,500 ) |
( | 2,750 ) |
|||||||
| Other expenditure | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other direct costs | ( | 54,937 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 54,937 ) |
( | 62,201 ) |
||||||||
| Total expenditure | ( | 341,320 ) |
( | 1,474 ) |
( | 40,090 ) |
- | ( | 25,511 ) |
( | 11,334 ) |
- | ( | 419,729 ) |
( | 399,957 ) |
||||
| Net gains / (losses) on investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealised | 9 | 28,283 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 28,283 | ( | 3,468 ) |
|||||||||
| Gains/(losses) on | ||||||||||||||||||||
| revaluation of heritage | ||||||||||||||||||||
| assets | 11 | ( | 5,780 ) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | ( | 5,780 ) |
( | 8,122 ) |
|||||||
| Net movement on investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| and heritage assets | 22,503 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 22,503 | ( | 11,590 ) |
||||||||||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 37,901 | 5,652 | - | - | ( | 711 ) |
( | 8,334 ) |
- | 34,508 | 47,623 | |||||||||
| Transfer to fund deficit on | ||||||||||||||||||||
| student bursary fund | ( | 8,334 ) |
- | - | - | - | 8,334 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Transfers betweeen funds | ( | 8,334 ) |
- | - | - | - | 8,334 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Net movement in funds | 29,567 | 5,652 | - | - | ( | 711 ) |
- | - | 34,508 | 47,623 | ||||||||||
| Balances brought forward at 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Aug 2023 | 80,640 | 136,929 | 363,495 | 10,112 | 11,490 | - | 33,610 | 636,276 | 588,653 | |||||||||||
| Balances carried forward at 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Aug 2024 | 110,207 | 142,581 | 363,495 | 10,112 | 10,779 | - | 33,610 | 670,784 | 636,276 |
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
14
Notes to the financial statements
3. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fund balances at 31 July 2025 are represented by |
Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total 2025 | Total 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Stocks | 937 | - | - | 937 | 657 |
| Debtors | 37,363 | - |
- | 37,363 | 3,315 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | - | 244,141 | 47,781 | 291,922 | 311,684 |
| Creditors | (68,725) | - | - | ( 68,725) | ( 24,670) |
| Sub-total | ( 30,425 ) | 244,141 | 47,781 | 261,497 | 290,986 |
| Tangible assets | 7,634 | - | - | 7,634 | 1,338 |
| Heritage assets | 7,415 | - |
- | 7,415 | 482 |
| Investments | 121,426 | 256,222 | - | 382,120 | 377,977 |
| Total | 106,050 | 504,839 | 47,781 | 658,670 | 670,784 |
4. Subscriptions
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Singing and associate members | 94,393 | 74,393 |
| Tax rebates thereon | 15,852 | 20,475 |
| Total | 110,245 | 94,818 |
5. Miscellaneous income
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Regular | ||
| Merchandising | 448 | ( 828) |
| Library | 3,488 | ( 4,541) |
| Regular fund raising | - | 334 |
| Sundryincome | 138 | 38 |
| Total regular | 4,074 | ( 3,341) |
NB Miscellaneous income items shown net of direct expenses incurred in generating the income
6. Investment income
| 2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank interest | £ 7,223 |
£ 7,551 |
||
| Other investment income | 11,940 | 11,735 |
||
| Total | 19,163 | 19,286 |
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
15
Notes to the financial statements
7. General expenditure
| 2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Musical costs other than direct costs of concerts,recordings,and tours | £ 81,668 |
£ 78,199 |
| Advertising, publicity, and website | 28,452 | 19,429 |
| - - Fundraising expenditure 1,665 1,477 1876 Society hospitality 16,097 18,297 Community engagement expenditure 54,937 62,374 Other direct costs includingadministrator salary |
||
| 170,327 192,268 Totalgeneral expenditure |
(a) The following fees for musical services were paid to Board members:
| 2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
2024 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Music director | 49,541 | 47,882 |
| Other board members | - | - |
| Entities with connected relatives | - | - |
| Total | 49,541 | 47,882 |
| Of these fees: | ||
| Amount included in Musical costs above | 49,541 | 47,182 |
| Amount included in Communityengagement costs | - | - |
| Amount included in choral fees,recordings and broadcasts | - | 700 |
| Amount included in eventspromoted byTBC | - | - |
| Amount included in advertisingandpublicity | - | - |
| Total | 49,541 | 47,882 |
(b) The average number of persons employed by the Choir in the year was 3 (2024 – 3). No employee was paid at the rate of £60,000 or more per year in this year or the prior year.
(c) Other direct costs include out of pocket expenses reimbursed to trustees in respect of travel costs £0 (2024- £0).
(d) Included in Community Engagement and other direct costs are wages and salaries amounting to £60,072 (2024 - £ 57,158), employers’ national insurance contributions amounting to £2,947 (2024 - £4,150) and contributions to defined contribution pension funds for employees of £1,143 (2024 - £ 1,073), less £2,947 (2024 - £4,150) claimed from Employer’s National Insurance Allowance.
(e) 1876 Society: Expenses accumulated since 2018: £8,765 (net of non-legacy donations of £2,965). Total value of legacies received since 2018: £3,000.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
16
Notes to the financial statements
8. Donations, Grants and Legacies
Included in donation income is £5,610 (2024 - £ 4,925) of donations by trustees of the Choir
9. Gains on investments
| Total Unrestricted and designated funds |
Total Unrestricted and designated funds |
Total Unrestricted and designated funds |
Total Unrestricted and designated funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Realised | - | - | |
| Unrealised | 4,143 | 4,143 | |
| Gains on revaluationof investments | 4,143 | 4,143 |
10. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Office and computer | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musical instruments | equipment | Total | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Cost | |||||||
| At 1 August | 2024 | - | 7,797 | 7,797 | |||
| Additions | - | 8,500 | 8,500 | ||||
| Disposals | - | - | - | ||||
| at 31 July | 2025 | - | 16,297 | 16,297 | |||
| Depreciation | |||||||
| At 1 August | 2024 | - | 6,459 | 6,459 | |||
| Charge for the year | - | 2,204 | 2,204 | ||||
| Disposals | - | - | - | ||||
| at 31 July | 2025 | - | 8,663 | 8,663 | |||
| Net book value | |||||||
| at 31 July | 2025 | - | 7,634 | 7,634 | |||
| at 31 July | 2024 | - | 1,338 | 1,338 |
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
17
Notes to the financial statements
11. Heritage assets
| £ | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market value at 1 August | 2024 | 482 | |
| Additions | 6,647 | ||
| Disposals | ( | 5,512 ) | |
| Revaluation | 5,798 | ||
| Market value at 1 August | 2025 | 7,415 |
During the year the Trustees performed an assessment of the market value of sheet music held by the charity. This has been included in the accounts at the deemed market value as at the balance sheet date, based on the income the charity receives during the latest 5-year period for hiring out these assets.
During the course of its activities, the Choir acquires new music which is added to its collection. Records are kept by the Choir librarians and the music is stored in locked metal cabinets, with access permitted only by the librarians. From time to time, music is hired out to other choirs, with an undertaking that it is to be returned clean. The hirer is expected to cover the replacement cost of any unreturned music.
The table below shows historic information concerning acquisitions and disposals of sheet music.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Purchases and additions | 4,144 | 4,734 | 4,971 | 504 | 3,325 |
| Disposals at cost | 5,305 | 4,019 | 4,633 | 430 | 3,528 |
| Proceeds from disposal to members | (5,305) | (4,019) | (4,633) | (430) | (3,528) |
| Revaluation to market value | 5,780 | (8,122) | (2,561) | (6,928) | (1,537) |
The asset valuation is based on the average income of the preceding latest five year period. A significant increase in music hire activity and net income for the choir results in a revaluation of £5,798 recognised in the financial year.
12. Investments
| Main fund | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis of listed investments | £ | £ |
| Market value at 1 August 2024 | 377,977 | 377,977 |
| Disposals at carrying value | - | - |
| Additions at cost | - | - |
| Netgain on revaluation | 4,143 | 4,143 |
| Market value at 31 July 2025 | 382,120 | 382,120 |
The market values are those at the close of business on 31 July 2025.
13. Stocks
CDs and souvenirs
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| 937 | 657 |
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
18
Notes to the financial statements
14. Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments | 11,171 | 3,303 | |
| Accrued income | - | - | |
| VAT recoverable | 20,046 | - | |
| Other debtors | 6,146 | 12 |
|
| Total | 37,363 | 3,315 |
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 2,429 | 5,746 |
| Accruals | 1,500 | - |
| VAT payable | - | 2,279 |
| Deferred income | 64,796 | 16,645 |
| Total | 68,725 | 24,670 |
16. Donations in kind
Pro bono independent examination fees
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| 3,500 | 3,500 |
17. Analysis of charitable funds
| Gains and | Carried | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Balance brought forward | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | losses | forward | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted fund | 110,207 | 359,495 | ( 360,832) | ( 12,760 ) | 9,941 | 106,050 |
|
| Designated funds | 516,188 | 47,762 |
( 59,112 ) |
- | - | 504,838 | |
| Restricted funds | 44,389 | 35,583 | (44,951) |
12,760 | - | 47,781 | |
| Total | 670,784 | 442,840 | ( 464,895 ) |
- | 9,941 | 658,670 | |
| Gains and | Carried | ||||||
| 2024 | Balance brought forward | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | losses | forward | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted fund | 80,640 | 356,718 | ( 341,320 ) | ( 8,334 ) | 22,503 | 110,207 |
|
| Designated funds | 510,536 | 47,216 |
( 41,564 ) |
- | - | 516,188 | |
| Restricted funds | 45,100 | 27,800 | (36,845) |
8,334 | - |
44,389 | |
| Total | 636,276 | 431,734 | ( 419,729 ) |
- | 22,503 | 670,784 |
Restricted funds include the Community Engagement fund, the Student bursary fund and the Recording fund. The Community Engagement fund is only available to be spent on the Choir’s Community Engagement programme (including Vocalise!). The Student bursary fund is used to offer student singers a discounted membership fee.
Designated funds include amounts provided by The Bach Choir Friends for supporting particular projects, amounts donated to help cover the losses incurred on the Choir’s own-promoted activities and amounts to be used to cover touring costs.
At the year end, at the year end, transfers of £12,760 (2024 - £ 8,334) were made from unrestricted funds to cover the deficit on restricted funds.
Annual report and financial statements Year ended 31 July 2025
19