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 2025
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 - 10 |
| Trustees' responsibilities statement | 11 |
| Independent examiner's report | 12 |
| Statement of financial activities | 13 |
| Balance sheet | 14 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 15 - 23 |
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 2025
| Trustees | Christopher Straw, Chair (appointed 20 May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Sheila Cobourne, Vice Chair | |
| Erik Azzopardi (appointed 11 June 2025) | |
| Oliver Burrows (resigned 20 May 2025) | |
| Laura Catala-Ubassy (appointed 13 August 2025) | |
| Damian Day (resigned 20 May 2025) | |
| Linda Evans (appointed 30 September 2024) | |
| Sophie Hill (resigned 13 August 2025) | |
| Douglas Jones (resigned 13 August 2025) | |
| Alexander Kidney (appointed 13 August 2025) | |
| Anne Loveluck (resigned 30 September 2024) | |
| Deborah Staunton | |
| Graham Voke (appointed 18 February 2025) | |
| Robert Ward | |
| Company registered number 01271179 Charity registered number 272866 Registered office Level 6 Barbican Centre Frobisher Crescent London EC2Y 8DS Company secretary Kate Harrison Accountants Kreston Reeves LLP 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 2025
Council Members
At the date of this report
Christopher Straw Chair from 20th May 2025 Sheila Cobourne Vice Chair from 20th May 2025 Deborah Staunton Robert Ward Linda Evans from 30th September 2024 Graham Voke from 18th February 2025 Erik Azzopardi from 11th June 2025 Laura Catala-Ubassy from 13th August 2025 Alex Kidney from 13th August 2025 Other Trustees who served during the year ending 31 August 2025: Anne Loveluck until 30th September 2024 Damian Day Chair until 20th May 2025 Oliver Burrows Vice Chair until 20th May 2025 Douglas Jones until 13th August 2025 Sophie Hill until 13th August 2025
Officers of the Chorus
Paul Allatt Treasurer Joanne Buchan Librarian Gillian Lawson Auditions Secretary Robert Garbolinski Concert Manager Anne Loveluck Vocal Development Secretary to 13th August, Emma Harry from 13th August 2025 Gerald Goh Council Secretary from 20th August 2024, Emma Harry from 21st November 2025 Alice Dee Communications Officer from 17th December 2025
Music Team
Simon Halsey C.B.E Chorus Director Emeritus Mariana Rosas Chorus Director Jack Apperley Associate Chorus Director Daniel Mahoney Assistant Chorus Director Hillary Campbell Assistant Chorus Director Benjamin Frost Chorus Accompanist Norbert Meyn Vocal Coach Anita Morrison Vocal Coach Rebecca Outram Vocal Coach Robert Rice Vocal Coach
LSC Administrator
James David
Company Secretary
Kate Harrison until 1st February 2026 Greg Callus from 1st February 2026
The Directors, who are also Trustees of the charity for the purposes of the Charities Act, submit their annual report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in 2019 in preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the Charity.
The London Symphony Chorus is a 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.
Page 2
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
It is also an entirely self-sufficient organisation covering its costs through concert and recording fees and fundraising.
Objectives and activities
a. 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 re-audition 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 has 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 2 who fulfil the roles specified in relation to them.
b. Aims and objectives
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Reputation - We continue to develop our reputation with other leading international orchestras and
Page 3
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Objectives and activities (continued)
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 2024-25 through:
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concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra and the world’s great orchestras, conductors and soloists, at home and abroad
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recordings that attract critical acclaim and awards
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encouraging and supporting young singers, choral conductors and accompanists
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a programme of choral training and vocal development
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the recruitment of new adult members of all ages and diverse backgrounds
Achievements and performance
a. Achievements
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 2024-25 was the 59th season of the London Symphony Chorus. It was the second season with our new Chorus Director, Mariana Rosas and with Simon Halsey as our Chorus Director Emeritus.
The season included:
• Performances on the Barbican stage with the LSO and family of conductors including Mahler’s 2nd Symphony with Michael Tilson Thomas; Puccini’s La Rondine, Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony, Tippett’s A Child of our Time and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with Sir Antonio Pappano; Shostakovich's 2nd Symphony/ Brahms Schicksalslied with Gianandrea Noseda; and Styles’s No Friend But The Mountains with Joseph Young.
- A self-promoted a cappella concert at St Andrew’s Holborn conducted by Mariana Rosas.
• A performance of Puccini’s Suor Angelica at BBC Proms 2025 at the Royal Albert Hall with the LSO and Sir Antonio Pappano.
Concerts
The Chorus performed concerts with the following orchestras, conductors and venues.
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Orchestras: London Symphony Orchestra, Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic
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Orchestra.
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Conductors: Sir Simon Rattle, Gianandrea Noseda, André J Thomas, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gustavo
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Dudamel, Joseph Young, Edward Gardner and Sir Antonio Pappano. LSC Chorus Director Mariana Rosas conducted an a cappella concert.
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Venues: Barbican (London), Royal Albert Hall (London), Royal Festival Hall (London), St Andrew Church
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Holborn (London)
Page 4
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
2024
20 and 23 October 2024 Mahler: 2nd Symphony Barbican Michael Tilson Thomas (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
3 November 2024 André J Thomas: Symphonic Gospel: Celebration and Praise Barbican André J Thomas (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir LSO Community Voices
10 and 12 December 2024 Puccini: La Rondine Barbican Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
2025
15 January 2025 Mahler: 3rd Symphony Barbican Gustavo Dudamel (conductor) Simon Bolivar Orchestra Tiffin Choir 09 and 12 February 2025 Vaughan Williams: Sea Symphony Barbican Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
23 March 2025 Tippett: A Child of Our Time/ Beethoven: 9th Symphony Barbican Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
13 April 2025 Shostakovich: 2nd Symphony/ Brahms: Schicksalslied Barbican Gianandrea Noseda (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
26 April 2025 Mahler: 8th Symphony Royal Festival Hall Edward Gardner (conductor) London Philharmonic Orchestra London Philharmonic Choir
Page 5
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
08 June 2025 “How Can I Keep from Singing?” St Andrew’s Holborn Mariana Rosas (conductor) Benjamin Frost (organ/accompanist)
19 June 2025 Luke Styles: No Friend but the Mountains Barbican Joseph Young (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra
19 August 2025 Puccini: Suor Angelica Royal Albert Hall Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor) London Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms 2025.
LSO Live recordings
February 2025 - Vaughan Williams: Sea Symphony Sir Antonio Pappano. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican To be released at a future date.
April 2025 - Shostakovich: 2nd Symphony Gianandrea Noseda. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican Released in November 2025.
Recorded for Radio 3 (BBC Proms)
August 2025 - Puccini: Suor Angelica Sir Antonio Pappano. London Symphony Orchestra. Royal Albert Hall
Filmed for MARQUEE.TV
February 2025 - Vaughan Williams: Sea Symphony Sir Antonio Pappano. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican
March 2025 - Tippett: A Child of Our Time/ Beethoven 9th Symphony Sir Antonio Pappano. London Symphony Orchestra. Barbican
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: Celebration and Praise’ concert with the LSO, the LSO Community Voices and the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir in November 2024.
Encouraging young singers and conductors
The Chorus continues to foster relationships with up-and-coming young chorus directors, who take rehearsals from time to time. All three of our Associate/ Assistant conductors took at least one rehearsal in 2024-25.
Page 6
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Choral training and vocal development
The Chorus is committed to excellence and supporting the vocal health and development of its members. During the year we implemented a new vocal development strategy, which includes individual vocal coaching, vocal coaching at specific rehearsals on specific techniques, sectional workshops and when the schedule allows, an a cappella concert.
Group Auditions of 8 singers (2 per section) are held every 2 years. The Chorus Director provides individual feedback to all involved and identifies issues for individual singers to work on how to improve their singing. Under the direction of the Chorus Director, the Chorus is able to provide one-to-one vocal training to assist with this. The Council wishes to thank Anne Loveluck for taking on the responsibility of organising one on one vocal coaching sessions.
To maintain a professional level of competence the Chorus continually works on its musicality and balance. When the schedule has space, the Chorus will prepare and perform an a cappella concert which is one of the best ways to develop the listening skills and blend core to the competence of a large Chorus. The first of these took place in June 2025 at St Andrew’s Holborn.
For Workshops and vocal coaching at rehearsals, the Chorus Director assesses the general performance of the Chorus.
Recruitment of new members
In season 2024-25 we held auditions for new applicants overseen by Mariana Rosas.
Some 26 auditions were held in the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 of which 14 were successful, coordinated by Gillian Lawson as Auditions Secretary.
We are very grateful to the website and social media teams for their help in marketing the Chorus so well.
Music Team
Mariana Rosas is our Chorus Director and acted as Chorus master for all projects in 2024-25, except the performance of Mahler's 2nd Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Simon Halsey, our Chorus Director Emeritus, acted as Chorus master for this project.
Jack Apperley (Associate Chorus Director), Hilary Campbell (Assistant Chorus Director) and Daniel Mahoney (Assistant Chorus Director) were also involved in taking rehearsals for various projects.
Our team of vocal coaches were involved with individual vocal coaching sessions as well as support at specific rehearsals. There were no workshops for voice parts this year. The continued involvement of the vocal coaching team is a key part of the ongoing vocal strategy.
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.
We have a part-time freelance Administrator to support Council and the music team in the running of the Chorus.
From December 2024 until May 2025, Oliver Burrows took on many of the day-to-day tasks normally performed by the Chair.
Page 7
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
LSC Friends
LSC Friends support 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. During the year the LSC Friends played an active and important part in supporting the a cappella concert, welcoming the audience and assisting with hospitality.
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.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We continue to work to reduce barriers to participation in the Chorus, ensuring that auditions are welcoming and accessible and that online music resources are available for those members who may need additional support. We acknowledge the value that each individual member brings to the Chorus through their life experiences and recognise the contribution that this makes to the quality of our performances.
The LSC endeavours to create a healthy environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination, one that promotes dignity and respect for all. The Chorus aspires to an organisational culture in which everyone involved can feel safe, comfortable, and confident to be themselves and contribute in ways that match their strengths.
Financial review
a. 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 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.
Page 8
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
b. Financial review of the year
Total income for the 2025 season was £166,542 (2024: £217,019) and our expenditure was £140,486 (2024: £224,680), this led to a surplus of £26,056 (2024: £7,661 deficit). A cash balance of £129,520 (2024: £116,604) was carried forward.
The analysis of income and expenditure between restricted and unrestricted funds is shown on page 13 of the financial statements.
Season 24-25 was the third year of the new working arrangements with the LSO. These continue to work favourably, though this is dependent on the repertoire chosen by the orchestra and over which the Chorus has no control. Following negotiations between the Chorus and the LSO, the working arrangements have been extended on a broadly similar basis through to July 2030.
The Chorus is grateful to the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund which granted £15,000 to the Chorus to help with its overheads and administrative costs, shown in Unrestricted Funds. The LSCEF made an additional contribution of £15,000 towards the cost of the commission of a new piece of choral music to be performed in 2027 and this forms part of Restricted Funds. The LSCEF has committed to support the commission of this new work and for the payment of up to a further £15,000 before the end of the financial year 2026/2027, once it is completed.
The LSC Friends continued to support Chorus activities and supported hospitality and additional fund raising at the a cappella concert in June 2025.
The Chorus is grateful to the Thistle Trust who donated £10,000 to help with the cost of the a cappella concert and contributed a further £9,000 towards the commissioning cost of a new piece by Grace-Evangeline Mason, to be premiered in May 2026.
LSO Live royalties were higher than in the previous financial year at £4,182 (2024: £2,628) and income from PPL was lower at £668 (2024: £933).
Council members and Officers work on a voluntary basis. The time offered gratis is estimated to be worth at least £100,000 covering legal, financial, digital and administrative expertise.
Hire of music from the Chorus Music 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.
c. Reserves policy
The Chorus seeks to maintain sufficient unrestricted reserves to support its core charitable activities and to provide for contingencies which may arise. The Chorus also holds restricted reserves from time to time which relate to specific charitable activities.
At the end of the financial year the Chorus held unrestricted reserves of £90,220 (2024: £77,093) and restricted reserves of £25,348 (2024: £12,419). More details on the reserves held are shown in note 13 to the financial statements.
The London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund (LSCEF), whose objectives are to support the work of the Chorus, was established in 1993. The LSCEF is a separate registered charity (1028304) and its assets are held in two separate funds – the original Endowment Fund and the General Trust Fund (the Unrestricted Legacy Fund). Trustees of the LSCEF are appointed by the Chorus and the LSCEF works closely with the Council of the Chorus to ensure that it holds sufficient reserves to support the work of the Chorus on an ongoing basis. As well as awarding grants to support operational and administrative costs, LSCEF contributes towards tours and the commissioning of new repertoire. The LSCEF 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 the operational and administrative costs of the Chorus.
Page 9
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 August 2025
d. Future Plans
Season 2025-26 will be our 60th anniversary and to mark this occasion we are planning a further concert in May 2026 with the London Mozart Players at Milton Court. This will include two new commissions: one by GraceEvangeline Mason and the other an orchestration of The Passing of the Year by Jonathan Dove. The Chorus is grateful to the Thistle Trust who have provided financial support for the Mason piece and the LSC Friends who have provided help with the costs of the Dove.
The LSC@60 celebrations include the concert in May 26 as well as a celebratory event in June 2026 and reception post the performance of Elgar’s Gerontius in April 2026. The costs of these events, estimated to be £50,000 will be covered from the LSCEF Legacy fund.
The LSCEF has agreed to contribute to the commissioning of a new piece which will be performed in the opening concert of the 27/28 season.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
SIGN
................................................
Christopher Straw Chair Date: 14 April 2026
Page 10
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities for the year ended 31 August 2025
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:
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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 SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
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:
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SIGN
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................................................
Christopher Straw Chair Date: 14 April 2026
Page 11
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent examiner's report
for the year ended 31 August 2025
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 2025.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 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 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
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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 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: 15 April 2026 Lucy Hammond BSc FCA
Kreston Reeves LLP
9 Donnington Park 85 Birdham Road Chichester West Sussex PO20 7AJ
Page 12
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 August 2025
| 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 movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 16,377 98,624 1,412 25,129 141,542 32 128,383 128,415 13,127 77,093 13,127 90,220 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 25,000 - - - 25,000 - 12,071 12,071 12,929 12,419 12,929 25,348 |
Total funds 2025 £ 41,377 98,624 1,412 25,129 166,542 32 140,454 140,486 26,056 89,512 26,056 115,568 |
Total funds 2024 £ 31,073 146,738 1,387 37,821 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 217,019 609 224,071 |
||||
| 224,680 (7,661) 97,173 (7,661) |
||||
| 89,512 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 15 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
Page 13
The London Symphony Chorus
(A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 01271179
Balance sheet as at 31 August 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Current assets Stocks 9 Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds 12 Total funds |
418 47,528 129,520 177,466 (70,786) |
2025 £ 8,888 8,888 106,680 115,568 115,568 25,348 90,220 115,568 |
717 13,616 116,604 130,937 (48,089) |
2024 £ 6,664 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,664 82,848 |
||||
| 89,512 | ||||
| 89,512 | ||||
| 12,419 77,093 |
||||
| 89,512 |
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 and signed on their behalf by:
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SIGN
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Christopher Straw Chair Date: 14 April 2026
The notes on pages 15 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
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.
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 raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
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 15
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
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 |
| Office equipment | - | 25% 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 16
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
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.
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 16,377 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 15,790 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 25,000 Restricted funds 2024 £ 15,283 |
Total funds 2025 £ 41,377 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 31,073 |
3. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Income from charitable activities - Performances 98,624 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Income from charitable activities - Performances 146,738 |
Total funds 2025 £ 98,624 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 146,738 |
Page 17
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Bank interest receivable 1,412 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Bank interest receivable 1,387 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,412 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 1,387 |
5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Performances 128,383 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Performances 218,724 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 12,071 Restricted funds 2024 £ 5,347 |
Total 2025 £ 140,454 |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 224,071 |
6. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Company's annual accounts | 2,385 | 2,195 |
| Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner in respect of: | ||
| All other services not included above | 1,415 | 1,305 |
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The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
7. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 August 2025, 2 Trustees received reimbursement of expenses totalling £129 (2024 - 5 Trustees £509)
8. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 September 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 August 2025 Depreciation At 1 September 2024 Charge for the year On disposals At 31 August 2025 Net book value At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 |
Chorus Website £ 32,010 - - 32,010 28,770 1,620 - 30,390 1,620 3,240 |
Music Library £ 48,708 6,201 (3,343) 51,566 45,575 2,293 (3,320) 44,548 7,018 3,133 |
Office Equipment £ 333 42 - 375 42 83 - 125 250 291 |
Computer Software £ 1,522 - - 1,522 1,522 - - 1,522 - - |
Total £ 82,573 6,243 (3,343) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85,473 | |||||
| 75,909 3,996 (3,320) |
|||||
| 76,585 | |||||
| 8,888 | |||||
| 6,664 |
9. Stocks
| Stock of music folders Car park tokens |
2025 £ 237 181 418 |
2024 £ 311 406 |
|---|---|---|
| 717 |
Page 19
The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
10. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 301 5,918 41,309 47,528 |
2024 £ 5,973 46 7,597 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,616 |
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 2024 Income in year Expenditure in year |
2025 £ 21,581 17,911 8,745 13,945 8,604 70,786 2025 £ 14,537 3,374 - 17,911 |
2024 £ 5 14,537 7,749 13,855 11,943 |
|---|---|---|
| 48,089 | ||
| 2024 £ 12,365 2,422 (250) |
||
| 14,537 |
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The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
12. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Thistle Trust - Vocal improvement Self promotion concert Thistle Trust - Mason commission Thistle Trust - Self promotion concert 2027 commission Elijah Scores War Requiem Scores Total of funds |
Balance at 1 September 2024 £ 77,093 1,346 - - 10,000 - 1,045 28 12,419 89,512 |
Income £ 141,542 - 1,000 9,000 - 15,000 - - 25,000 166,542 |
Expenditure £ (128,415) (1,346) (126) - (10,000) - (588) (11) (12,071) (140,486) |
Balance at 31 August 2025 £ 90,220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 874 9,000 - 15,000 457 17 |
||||
| 25,348 | ||||
| 115,568 |
Elijah Scores - During 2023 £1,779 was donated by the LSC Friends 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 £588 shown above relates to the depreciation in the year of the Elijah Scores, leaving a balance of £457 within Tangible Fixed Assets as at 31 August 2025.
War Requiem Scores - During 2024 £33 was donated to fund the purchase of War Requiem Scores. The full £33 was spent on the purchase of the scores, which is included within Tangible Fixed Assets on the Balance Sheet The expenditure of £11 shown above relates to the depreciation in the year of the War Requiem Scores, leaving a balance of £17 within Tangible Fixed Assets as at 31 August 2025.
During 2025 £1,000 was donated to assist with expenditure relating to the Self Promotion concert. £126 was spent during the year. The donor has agreed the remaining balance can be used for funding of London Symphony Chorus at 60 related activities.
The Thistle Trust - During 2025 the expenditure of £1,346 shown above relates to vocal coaching for members identified at their initial audition or re-audition as needing help with their vocal technique. During 2025 the Trust made separate donations totalling £10,000 to assist preparations for the production of the Self promotion concert and £9,000 towards the costs of the Mason commission. The expenditure will be recognised once the commission has been completed.
During 2025 the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund donated £15,000 towards the cost of the 2027 commission. The expenditure will be recognised once the commission has been completed.
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The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
12. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Balance at 1 September 2023 £ Unrestricted funds General Funds 94,690 Restricted funds Thistle Trust - Vocal improvement - Chorus welfare - Inclusivity and Equality Project 850 Elijah Scores 1,633 War Requiem Scores - 2,483 Total of funds 97,173 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 |
Income £ 201,736 15,000 250 - - 33 15,283 217,019 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 8,414 152,592 (70,786) 90,220 |
Expenditure £ (219,333) (3,654) (250) (850) (588) (5) (5,347) (224,680) Restricted funds 2025 £ 474 24,874 - 25,348 |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 77,093 11,346 - - 1,045 28 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,419 | |||
| 89,512 Total funds 2025 £ 8,888 177,466 (70,786) |
|||
| 115,568 |
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The London Symphony Chorus (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025
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 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 5,590 119,592 (48,089) 77,093 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,074 11,345 - 12,419 |
Total funds 2024 £ 6,664 130,937 (48,089) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89,512 |
14. Contingent liabilities
During the year the London Symphony Chorus received a grant of £15,000 from the London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund (LSCEF) towards the cost of a downpayment for the commissioning of a new choral work due to be premiered in 2027. The LSCEF has committed to the payment of up to a further £15,000 contingent upon the commission being completed and the unedited score being delivered. This is expected to be no later than February 2027. The LSCEF has agreed to cover the balance due on completion of the commission.
During the year the London Symphony Chorus received a grant of £9,000 from the Thistle Trust towards the cost of a downpayment for the commissioning of a new choral work due to be premiered in 2026. The LSC has committed to the payment of up to a further £9,000 contingent upon the commission being completed and the unedited score being delivered. This is expected to be by the end of 2025.
15. Related party transactions
During the year ended 31 August 2025 grants totalling £30,000 (2024: £15,000) were received from The London Symphony Chorus Endowment Fund.
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