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2023-08-31-accounts

Registered number: 01271179 Charity number: 272866

The London Symphony Chorus

(A company limited by guarantee)

Unaudited

Trustees' report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

The London Symphony Chorus

(A company limited by guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 11
Trustees' responsibilities statement 12
Independent examiner's report 13
Statement of financial activities 14
Balance sheet 15
Notes to the financial statements 16 - 24

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers for the year ended 31 August 2023

Trustees Alice Jones, Chair
Elizabeth Webb, Vice Chair
Simon Backhouse (resigned 23 September 2022)
Oliver Burrows
Damian Day
Esther Elbro
Douglas Jones (appointed 23 September 2022)
Gillian Lawson
Anne Loveluck
Robert Ward
Company registered
number
01271179
Charity registered
number
272866
Registered office
Level 6 Barbican Centre
Frobisher Crescent
London
EC2Y 8DS
Accountants
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants
9 Donnington Park
85 Birdham Road
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 7AJ
Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC
100 Fenchurch Street
London
EC3M 5JD

Page 1

The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

Council Members

At the date of this report

Alice Jones Chair Gillian Lawson Anne Loveluck Robert Ward Elizabeth Webb Vice Chair Oliver Burrows Damian Day Esther Elbro Douglas Jones from 23 September 2022

Other Trustees who served during the year ending 31 August 2023: Simon Backhouse until 23 September 2022

Officers of the Chorus

Paul Allatt Treasurer Joanne Buchan Librarian Andrew Fuller Auditions Secretary Robert Garbolinski Concert Manager Gina Broderick Council Secretary (until 2 Feb 2023) Kate Aitchison Council Secretary (from 2 Feb 2023)

Music Team

Simon Halsey Aug 2023) Mariana Rosas August 2023) Lucy Hollins Associate Chorus Director David Lawrence Associate Chorus Director Barbara Hoefling Associate Chorus Director Benjamin Frost Chorus Accompanist Norbert Meyn Vocal Coach Anita Morrison Vocal Coach Rebecca Outram Vocal Coach Robert Rice Vocal Coach

Chorus Director (until 31 July 2023), Chorus Director Emeritus (from 1

Associate Chorus Director (until 31 July 2023), Chorus Director (from 1

LSC Administrator

James David (from July 2023)

Company Secretary

Kate Harrison

Registered Office C/O LSO Office Level 6, Frobisher Crescent Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

Company Registration Number 1271179

Charity Registration Number 272866

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

Independent Examiner of Accounts

Kreston Reeves LLP 2nd Floor 168 Shoreditch High Street London, E1 6RA

Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC 100 Fenchurch Street London, EC3M 5JD

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under charitable company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

The London Symphony Chorus is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is exempt from the requirement to use the word ‘Limited’ as part of its name. The company is a registered charity, Charity No. 272866, and is therefore exempt from Corporation Taxation.

It is also an entirely self-sufficient organisation covering its costs through concert and recording fees and fundraising.

Structure, governance and management

The Chorus is managed by a Council of its members. Members are elected to the Council at the Annual General Meeting to hold office for the period of two years. In the event of a Council member (voice section representative) resigning, the appropriate Chorus section elects a replacement to hold office until the following Annual General Meeting. Members of the Council retire by rotation. Council members are the company directors of the Chorus and are also the Trustees. They are volunteers. The Trustees’ Statement of Responsibilities is noted below.

The members of the Council each have an interest in the Chorus in their capacity as guarantors, which is limited to an amount not exceeding £1.

The members of the Chorus are all those who have been admitted following audition or reaudition by the Chorus Director.

The Chorus Director is appointed by the Council and receives fees in their professional capacity from the Chorus. In addition, the Chorus pays for a part-time freelance administrative assistant to assist the Chorus Director and Council in the day-to-day running of the Chorus. No other Council or Chorus member is remunerated by the Chorus, but reasonable expenses incurred by Council members in fulfilling their obligations to the Chorus are reimbursed.

The Council has also appointed other Officers listed on Page 1 who fulfil the roles specified in relation to them.

Aims and Objectives

In the Articles of Association of the London Symphony Chorus "the objects for which the Society is established are the study and practice of choral music in order to foster public knowledge and appreciation of such music by means of public performance."

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

The 2022-23 season was one of significant transition for the London Symphony Chorus with the recruitment and the appointment of a new Chorus Director to replace Simon Halsey from 1 August 2023. Council therefore agreed to continue to operate with the aims of our business plan for 2018-23 in mind, to issue an updated and revised business plan for the 2024-28 period once new leadership is in place.

  1. Excellence - We aim to be critically recognized as the best symphonic chorus in the UK. We strive for artistic excellence, renowned equally for our mastery of standard repertoire as well as the ability and confidence with which we tackle new or unusual challenges. We wish to be the chorus of choice for talented singers.

  2. Partnership - Central to our identity is a commitment to the special and long-standing relationship with the London Symphony Orchestra. We aim to remain at the heart of their artistic vision as a highly flexible and responsive choral partner.

  3. Membership - We are committed to our identity as a self-financed members’ organisation. Our members are at the heart of the LSC, its direction, governance and administration. We are focused on developing our own talent and constantly challenging ourselves, whilst enjoying the many social benefits membership brings.

  4. London - We are committed to the musical life of London, our home. We aim to use our activities to nurture the artistic life of the capital through engagement with our audiences and the wider community. We seek to develop links with emerging soloists, choral conductors and accompanists, as well as commissioning new works to expand the choral repertoire

  5. Reputation - We continue to develop our reputation with other leading international orchestras and conductors, in the UK or when we tour abroad.

We are also committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of singers regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion or physical ability. Membership is open to anyone with a good choral singing voice with no fees to join or participate.

In this report we describe the extent to which we have achieved our aims in 2022-23 through:

Achievements and Performance

The LSC is one of the UK’s leading choirs and is renowned both at home and internationally for its concerts, recordings, awards, promotion of new music and outreach work.

The year 2022-23 was the London Symphony Chorus’ 57[th] season. It was also the 11[th] and final season with Simon Halsey as Chorus Director. He subsequently took up the honorary title of Chorus Director Emeritus. It was also the final season in which the London Symphony Orchestra provided administrative support for the Chorus prompting the Chorus to appoint their own Administrator and review the work done by Chorus volunteers.

At the end of the 22/23 season we appointed our new Chorus Director – Mariana Rosas - after a lengthy and careful process including thorough application, interview and auditions rounds. We also recruited our own part-time Chorus Administrator.

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

The season saw a return to normal performance practice with the LSO after several years of Covid-19 impacted programming and included:

Concerts

The Chorus performed concerts with the following orchestras, conductors and venues.

2022

02 September

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Kevin John Edusei. Chineke! Orchestra and Chineke! Voices. BBC Proms 2022. Royal Albert Hall

20 September

Mahler: Symphony No. 2

Sir Simon Rattle. London Symphony Orchestra. Philharmonie Luxembourg.

24 September

Schoenberg: Gurrelieder

Edward Gardner and London Philharmonic Orchestra: Royal Festival Hall

30 October

Symphonic Gospel André J Thomas and London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican

6 December

Handel: Messiah - “The Live Experience” from Classical Everywhere English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Gregory Batsleer Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

17 and 18 December

Brahms and Szymanowski: Stabat Mater and Ein Deutsches Requiem Sir Simon Rattle. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican.

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

2023

11 and 13 January Janáček: Katya Kabanova Sir Simon Rattle. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican.

4 February Berlioz: The Damnation of Faust

LSC tenors and basses joined London Philharmonic Choir and London Youth Choir for Berlioz’s Damnation de Faust

Edward Gardner. London Philharmonic Orchestra. Royal Festival Hall

19 February Schubert: Mass No. 5

François-Xavier Roth. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican.

2 April Shostakovich: Symphony No. 13 With members from the London Philharmonic Choir. Gianandrea Noseda. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican.

9 May

Ian Fletcher: Jonah (world premiere) World premiere of Ian Fletcher’s oratorio Jonah John Andrews. National Symphony Orchestra. Cadogan Hall,

4 June

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 François-Xavier Roth. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican

20 June

Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé François-Xavier Roth. Les Siècles. Barbican.

8 August Holst: The Planets

Jaime Martín. BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the BBC Proms 2023. Royal Albert Hall.

22 August

Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri Sir Simon Rattle. London Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2023. Royal Albert Hall.

LSO Live recordings

January 2023: Janáček’s Katya Kabanova Sir Simon Rattle. London Symphony. Barbican Release planned for February 2024.

Bradley Cooper’s Netflix film Maestro

In October 2022 the Chorus joined the London Symphony Orchestra in a special 3-day filming project performing the finale of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 at Ely Cathedral under Yannick Nézet-Séguin, which was to feature in Bradley Cooper’s feature film Maestro . In April 2023 the LSC re-joined the LSO, Cooper and Nézet-Séguin to record music from Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Mass at AIR Studios London

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

Maestro had its UK film premier in October 2023 at the BFI London Film Festival and was released on Netflix in December 2023.

The film soundtrack was released on the Deutsche Grammophon label in December 2023.

Involving adults, young people and children in the community

The chorus continues to support the LSO adult community choir as it explores a wider and more diverse range of musical genres and takes part in annual projects with LSO Associate Artist André J Thomas. To this end it took part in the ‘Symphonic Gospel’ concert with the LSO, the LSO Community Choir and the London Gospel Choir in October 2022.

The Chorus is also eager to explore relationships with other youth chorus in and around London in future seasons. Our new Chorus Director has strong links to the National Youth Choir and we intend to explore possible links in future years.

Encouraging young singers and conductors

Young conductors from UK universities and conservatoires, and from overseas, have attended rehearsals to observe the chorus and music team at work, and have an opportunity to conduct.

Choral training and vocal development

The Chorus is committed to excellence and supporting the vocal health and development of its members.

Re-auditions were further postponed until the beginning of the 2023-24 season to ensure the incoming Chorus Director could oversee these and hear the vocal make-up of the Chorus. A revised vocal development strategy will be created and implemented once the new Chorus Director is in post and during their first season with the Chorus.

LSC Associate Chorus Director, Barbara Hoefling, created and lead a project for our soprano and alto members to help support their musical and vocal development. The project consisted of large and small ensemble singing, with sessions on technique, sight singing and blend, and culminated with informal performances in front of wider LSC membership and friends. A similar project will be planned for tenor and bass sections in the 23/24 season.

Recruitment of new members

In season 22-23 we held auditions for new applicants overseen by Simon Halsey and/or Barbara Hoefling. We made a particular push for tenor and bass applications.

We are very grateful to our Auditions Secretary for organizing this task so efficiently, and to the website and social media teams for their help in marketing the chorus so effectively.

We held 25 auditions (7 sopranos, 3 altos, 5 tenors and 10 basses) in the period to the end of 2023, of which 19 were successful. A further 16 auditions are planned for the 1[st] quarter of 2024.

Music Team

As agreed, Simon Halsey reduced his sessions with the LSC this season. This meant our Associate Chorus Director team of Barbara Hoefling, Lucy Hollins, David Lawrence and Mariana Rosas where called upon to lead more sessions and concerts. Our regular accompanist was Benjamin Frost. We are very grateful to them all.

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

As of 1 August 2023 Simon Halsey became the LSC Chorus Director Emeritus, and Mariana Rosas our new Chorus Director.

Chorus Director Emeritus is a newly created role for Simon Halsey in recognition of his significant development of the chorus over his long tenure as Chorus Director, and of the continuing relationship between him and the LSC. The position is an honorary one though we anticipate we will invite him back to lead projects in future seasons

From the 23/24 season we look forward to working again regularly with our Vocal Coaches as part of the new vocal strategy which will be created with the new Chorus Director in post.

Recruitment of the New Chorus Director

In 2021 Simon Halsey, the LSC’s then Chorus Director, notified Council of his intention to retire, once a suitable replacement had been appointed. On that basis, Council decided to initiate a recruitment process.

A project was agreed, with two phases: the first was to establish principles and general requirements; the second to develop selection criteria and a job description. That phase then moved on to public recruitment, which began in late 2022.

The role was advertised in Guardian Jobs, on the website of the Association of British Choral Directors and Arts Jobs Online. Additionally, the then upcoming vacancy was promoted through the Chorus’s social media channels.

47 applications were received, and seven applicants were shortlisted, based on agreed selection criteria and the advertised job description. All seven were offered and accepted audition rehearsals, which took place 17th January-28th February 2023. The audition rehearsals were followed by a round of interviews for all seven candidates with Council members 4th-13th March 2023.

A Chorus Consultative Group (CCG) was convened, comprising two chorus members from each section so that members’ views could be considered. Simon Halsey, Barbara Hoefling and Benjamin Frost were also consulted.

Council met on the 26th March 2023 to make the appointment decision.

Bearing in mind the criteria Council had established to make this important decision the following were taken into account: original written applications, views of members present at audition rehearsals (submitted to and then moderated by the CCG); professional musical expertise and advice, consultation with our partners/stakeholders and, the candidates' performance at thorough interview stage.

Council unanimously agreed that the best appointment for the Chorus would be Mariana Rosas.

Management and Administration

The Voice Representatives who make up Council, and the officers, are volunteers and give a considerable amount of their time for operational, administrative and strategic work. We are very grateful to them all, and to Sumita Menon, LSO Choral Projects Manager, who arranges our rehearsal and concert schedule and supports the Chorus in so many important ways. Sumita stood down at the end of July as agreed under the new arrangements with the LSO. We are grateful for all the work she has carried out for the Chorus over a number of years.

We subsequently appointed a part-time freelance Administrator to support Council, and the music team in the running of the Chorus.

8

The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

LSC Friends

LSC Friends supports the Chorus in achieving new commissions, choral projects or other initiatives, while also promoting LSC's social networks and reaching out to connect with past members.

LSC Friends continue to build up funds to support LSC initiatives and new projects post pandemic. In this financial year the LSC Friends contributed funds to a farewell celebration for Simon Halsey after his final official concert as Chorus Director in June 2023 - Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé with François-Xavier Roth and Les Siècles at the Barbican, as well as funding a set of scores for a new edition of Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

Data Management

We continue to review our membership data in the light of GDPR regulations and have ensured that our data is streamlined and secure as required. Regular reviews ensure that the data is kept up to date.

We have adopted an online form using Microsoft forms technology to support member sign up to Chorus projects. This delivers information into an Excel spreadsheet for easy use by Voice reps and has streamlined the previous process based on email.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We have worked with an external consultant to develop a Chorus wide survey on EDI. Recommendations based on the survey results were made to Council and shared with the whole Chorus. Work was also undertaken to revise and refresh the Terms of Reference for the existing EDI Advisory Group to facilitate more effective working in this area. This will be completed in the 23/24 season.

Financial Review

Total income for the year ended 31 August 2023 was £225,555 (2022: £211,808) our expenditure was £164,222 (£194,702), so we had a surplus £61,333. A cash balance of £124,009 (2022: £51,999) was held at 31 August 2023.

The Chorus took part in some 16 projects, of which 9 were with the LSO including a short tour to Luxembourg to perform Mahler’s 2[nd] Symphony with Sir Simon Rattle. This tour was fully funded.

There were 6 performances with other orchestras including Chineke! at the 2022 Proms, the LPO (2 concerts), Les Siecles, the English Chamber Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the 2023 Proms.

The LSC took part in the world premiere of the oratorio Jonah, composed by one of our members. This project was done on a cost recovery basis.

Workshops for sopranos and altos were held, funded by the Chorus, both to fill a gap in the schedule when the tenors and basses were rehearsing Shostakovich’s 13th Symphony (Babi Yar) and as part of our ongoing strategy to improve vocal performance of the Chorus.

The Chorus was invited by the LSO to be involved in a film project for Netflix. This earned us a substantial fee and the LSC Council have decided to invest this in the Legacy fund so it can be used to provide support for the Chorus in the future.

The new working arrangements negotiated with the LSO came into effect on 1[st] August 2022, which replaced the previous underwriting agreement with an enhanced fee for projects. These

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The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

appear to have worked favourably in this first year of the new arrangements, though choice of repertoire is a factor as some projects (e.g. Beethoven 9) have a small rehearsal footprint.

We have received considerable help from the Endowment fund in recent seasons and as the Chorus brought forward a cash balance of £51,999 no further funding was requested of the Endowment fund this year. This will allow the Endowment fund to replenish its funds post Covid and enable it to provide future financial help to the Chorus.

The LSC Friends generously contributed £1,979 to Chorus activities including purchase of a set of 140 new Mendelssohn Elijah scores at a cost of £1,779 and a contribution to the farewell drinks for Simon Halsey

A bequest of £5,000 was received from the estate of Neil Mortimer Ross who sang in the tenor section of the Chorus from 1967 to 2011. The Chorus is grateful that he remembered us in his will.

Further consultancy was paid for to support the ongoing EDI project. It is expected that there will be more expenditure in this area in season 23/24.

LSO/Live royalties were lower than the previous season at £1,145 (£1,952 in 21/22) as was income from PPL £976 (£1,722 in 21/22). The Chorus earned £5,000 from the Royal Ballet for rights to use the audio recording of its performance in the Dante project by Thomas Ades.

Council members and Officers work on a voluntary basis. The time offered gratis is estimated to be worth at least £90,000 covering legal, financial, digital and administrative expertise.

Hire of music from the Chorus Library to other organisations continues and provides income to the Chorus. We are grateful to the Chorus Librarian for supporting this activity and the considerable amounts of time they provide gratis.

Reserves Policy

The Chorus seeks to maintain sufficient reserves to support its core charitable activities and to provide for contingencies which may arise. Sizeable reserves are held by the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Trust.

The Endowment Trust holds and manages both the Chorus Endowment Fund and the Chorus Legacy Fund. Despite market turbulence, both funds have seen good performance over the financial year. The LSC Endowment Trust accounts provide details of their current value.

The Endowment fund expects to continue to be able to provide funds from its income stream to the Chorus on an annual basis, which will be used to help with Chorus operational and administrative costs. In addition, from time to time, the Endowment fund helps with costs of specific activities such as Tours and Commissions.

The Legacy fund continues to fund the more strategic activities of the Business plan, eg vocal improvement activities, support for the EDI project.

The total reserves at 31 August 2023 were £97,173 (2022: £35,840), restricted £2,483 (2022: £1,820), unrestricted £94,690 (2022: £34,020) which the trustees consider to be sufficient in line with the charity's reserves policy and future requirements.

Post Financial Year Developments

After the year end the Chorus made an additional payment to the Unrestricted Fund (Legacy Fund) of the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund of £60,000.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable

10

The London Symphony Chorus (A Company Limited by guarantee)

Trustees report for the year ended 31 August 2023

future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Future Plans

The substantial increase in energy costs has impacted venue hire charges. Typically, charges have increased by 10% over the current season which has increased our rehearsal costs. Storage costs for our music library have decreased slightly as pressure on storage has reduced post Covid.

The agreement for administrative support via the LSO ceased at the end of July. A part-time administrator, funded solely by the LSC, was appointed in July 2023. This is expected to cost the Chorus around £10,000 in a full financial year.

A project was run during the 22/23 season to find and appoint a new Chorus Director. This included audition rehearsals and interviews which the Chorus funded. The new Chorus Director, Marian Rosas, was appointed from 1[st] August 2023.

The new financial arrangement with the Orchestra started August 2022. This has proved positive in the current season, although some of this is down to the choice of repertoire. Under the new arrangement, the Chorus must fund the retainer paid to its Chorus Director. Together with the part-time administrator costs our overheads have increased considerably.

The existence of our reserves both in the Endowment and Legacy funds will continue to be vital to the future sustainability of the Chorus.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Alice Jones Chair Date: 27/03/2024

11

The London Symphony Chorus

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities for the year ended 31 August 2023

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

................................................ Alice Jones

Date: 27/03/2024

Page 12

The London Symphony Chorus

(A company limited by guarantee)

Independent examiner's report

for the year ended 31 August 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The London Symphony Chorus ('the Company')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 August 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. 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 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.

This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Dated: 28 March 2024 Lucy Hammond BSc FCA

Kreston Reeves LLP

Chartered Accountants 9 Donnington Park 85 Birdham Road Chichester West Sussex PO20 7AJ

Page 13

The London Symphony Chorus

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 August 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income before net losses on
investments
Net losses on investments
Net income
Transfers between funds
12
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
9,943
-
-
-
9,943
-
9,484
9,484
459
-
459
204
663
1,820
663
2,483		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
6,750
149,125
424
59,313
215,612
(56)
154,794
154,738
60,874
-
60,874
(204)
60,670
34,020
60,670
94,690		 Total
funds
2023
£
16,693
149,125
424
59,313
225,555
(56)
164,278
164,222
61,333
-
61,333
-
61,333
35,840
61,333
97,173		 Total
funds
2022
£
113,795
69,140
11
28,862
211,808
(69)
194,771
194,702
17,106
(198)
16,908
-
16,908
18,932
16,908
35,840

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 01271179

Balance sheet as at 31 August 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Current assets
Stocks
9
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
11
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
12
Unrestricted funds
12
Total funds		 769
9,197
124,009
133,975
(45,770)		 2023
£
8,968
8,968
97,173
97,173
2,483
94,690
97,173		 713
16,358
51,999
69,070
(41,336)		 2022
£
8,106
8,106
35,840
35,840
1,820
34,020
35,840

The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees o n _____ 27 __ 27 March 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Alice Jones Chair

The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The London Symphony Chorus meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Going concern

The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Company has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Company, can be reliably measured.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Page 16

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £50 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Music Library - 33% on cost
Chorus Website - 20% on cost
Computer Software - 25% on cost

1.6 Stocks and work in progress

Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

1.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.8 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

1.9 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

1.10 Financial instruments

The Company 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 with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 17

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.11 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. This includes amounts relating to sponsorship of the commission from Howard Goodall ‘Never to Forget’ by the LSC Endowment fund and Zoom licence costs paid by the LSC Friends.

2. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Legacies
Donations
Legacies		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
9,943
-
9,943
Restricted
funds
2022
£
55,010
32,500
87,510		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
1,750
5,000
6,750
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
1,285
25,000
26,285		 Total
funds
2023
£
11,693
5,000
16,693
Total
funds
2022
£
56,295
57,500
113,795

3. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities - Performances

Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2023 2023
£ £
149,125 149,125

Page 18

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

3. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Unrestricted Total
funds funds
2022 2022
£ £
Income from charitable activities - Performances 69,140 69,140

4. Investment income

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Bank interest receivable
424
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Bank interest receivable
11		 Total
funds
2023
£
424
Total
funds
2022
£
11

5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Performances
Performances
Costs of Tours		 Restricted
funds
2023

£
9,484
Restricted
funds
2022
£
72,495
21,013
93,508		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
154,794
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
100,458
805
101,263		 Total
2023
£
164,278
Total
2022
£
172,953
21,818
194,771

Page 19

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

6. Independent examiner's remuneration

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Company's annual accounts 1,780 1,750
Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner in respect of:
All other services not included above 1,060 950

7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 August 2023, one Trustee received reimbursement of expenses totalling £366 (2022 - £1,337)

8. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Additions
At 31 August 2023
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022		 Chorus
Website
£
32,010
-
32,010
25,530
1,620
27,150
4,860
6,480		 Music
Library
£
43,453
3,992
47,445
41,827
1,510
43,337
4,108
1,626		 Computer
Software
£
1,522
-
1,522
1,522
-
1,522
-
-		 Total
£
76,985
3,992
80,977
68,879
3,130
72,009
8,968
8,106

Page 20

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

9. Stocks

Stock of music folders
Car park tokens		 2023
£
416
353
769		 2022
£
98
615
713

10. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
14
-
9,183
9,197		 2022
£
119
3,778
12,461
16,358

11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Friends Scheme
Other taxation
Music Deposits
Accruals and deferred income
Movement on the balance of Friends Scheme is as follows:
Balance as at 1 September 2022
Income in year
Expenditure in year		 2023
£
4,279
12,365
4,631
13,795
10,700
45,770
2023
£
11,755
2,589
(1,979)
12,365		 2022
£
3,706
11,755
-
13,555
12,320
41,336
2022
£
10,681
1,964
(890)
11,755

Page 21

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

12. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Restricted funds
Chorus welfare
Inclusivity and Equality Project
Jonah Project
Elijah Scores
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
September
2022
£
34,020
120
1,700
-
-
1,820
35,840		 Income
£
215,612
562
-
7,602
1,779
9,943
225,555		 Expenditure
£
(154,738)
(886)
(850)
(7,602)
(146)
(9,484)
(164,222)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(204)
204
-
-
-
204
-		 Balance at
31 August
2023
£
94,690
-
850
-
1,633
2,483
97,173

Elijah Scores - During 2023 £1,779 was donated to fund the purchase of Elijah Scores. The full £1,779 was spent on the purchase of the scores, which is included within Tangible Fixed Assets on the Balance Sheet. The expenditure of £146 shown above relates to the depreciation in the year of the Elijah Scores, leaving a balance of £1,633 within Tangible Fixed Assets as at 31 August 2023

Page 22

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

12. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted
funds
General Funds
Restricted
funds
Goodall project
Chorus welfare
Anderson
Commission
Inclusivity and
Equality
Project
Rowat Bequest
New website
Music tour
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 September
2021
£
18,932
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
18,932		 Income
£
124,298
9,890
120
15,000
8,500
46,000
-
8,000
87,510
211,808		 Expenditure
£
(101,194)
(11,012)
-
(15,000)
(6,800)
(44,145)
(3,780)
(12,771)
(93,508)
(194,702)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(7,818)
1,122
-
-
-
(1,855)
3,780
4,771
7,818
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
(198)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(198)		 Balance at
31 August
2022
£
34,020
-
120
-
1,700
-
-
-
1,820
35,840

13. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
1,633
850
-
2,483		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
7,335
133,125
(45,770)
94,690		 Total
funds
2023
£
8,968
133,975
(45,770)
97,173

Page 23

The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023

13. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
1,820
-
1,820		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
8,106
67,250
(41,336)
34,020		 Total
funds
2022
£
8,106
69,070
(41,336)
35,840

14. Related party transactions

During the year ended 31 August 2023 grants totalling £Nil (2022: £40,500) were received from The London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund.

15. Post balance sheet events

After the year end the Chorus made an additional payment to the Unrestricted Fund (Legacy Fund) of the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund of £60,000.

Page 24