NI CHARITY REF - 102506
HARD RAIN SOLOISTENSEMBLE
(a charitable association)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CONTENTS
Page
Contents
Charity Information and Officers
Trustees, Report
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Financial Statements

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CHARITY INFORMATION AND OFFICERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gail Prentice
Paul O'Reilly
Jonny McGeown
CHAIR
TREASURER
SEcR￿ARy
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Donald R Minshull FCA
ACCOUNTANT
Minshull & Co
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
19 Crescent Business Park
LISBURN
BT28 2GN
BANKERS
Bank of Ireland
364 Lisburn Road
BELFAST
BT9 6GL
REGISTERED ADDRESS
Queen's University Belfast
School of Arts English and Languages
Sonic Arts Research Centre
4 Cloreen Park
BELFAST
BT9 5HN
NOR THERN IRELAND CHARITY REFEREIVCE NUMBER
102506

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEES. REPORT
The trustees, who also act as tnjstees for the charitable activities of the companyi present their annual
report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILrrIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees, annual report in accorandance with the Charities
SORP (FRS102) and Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
The trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and confirm
that the reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation was the Charities SORP (FRS102).
TRUSTEES
The trustees of the charity during the financial year were as stated on page 2.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The objectives of the charity are
to promote and improve modern and contemporary chamber music and works of artistic merit for
the public benefit by the provision of events, performances, information, exhibitions and training as
the Committee shall determine
to advance education and promote learning about the creative processes involved in the production and
performance of modern and contemporary chamber music to develop appreciation and encourage
participation in the performance of modern and contemporary chamber music
to advance education through the promotion and support of modern and contemporary chamber music
and, in this respect, promoting concerts using postgraduate soloists and local composers of music for
the benefit of their education
to encourage the artistic creativity and enhance the general knowledge and understanding of the
beneficiaries in modern and contemporary chamber music and related musical and cultural activities
to advance any other exclusively charitable purpose in connection with the art of modern and
contemporary chamber music and other related musical. cultural and artistic activities as the directors,
may from time to time, decide in accordance with the law of charity
ACHIEVEMENTS
During the year the charity has obtained funding from many sources. This has enabled it to take part in
the following activities and events locally
Gallery Music at the Ulster Museum
Sound of Belfast at SARC
Distant Plains at the Harty Room
Ink Still Wet in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast
Solas Charity Concert at the Waterfront Hall
Featured Young Artists at the Harty Room
Songs of Travel at the Harty Room
Pierette at the Harty Room
along with the following media broadcasts
BBC Radio 3 New Music Show
CD release of LUCA by Grainne Mulvery on 'The Tyndall Effect,
BBC Radio Ulster interviews and on Classical Connections
and workshops
UYO at the Harty Room
NI Film Scoring School in Derry/Londonderry
Ulster Touring Opera at SARC
Scotland workshops at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and St Andrews University
Cityside Se55ions supported by Arts & Business Northern Ireland
Queen's University Belfast performance classes, comp051tion workshops and recording sessions
Along with these activitie5 there were also audience engagement events including pop up performances

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEES. REPORT
(continued)
at the Ulster Museum, Making Music Day at the Linen Quarter, Bedford Street and Cityside open
rehearsals and pop-up performances.
Nationally and Internationally the charity has performed at NEKf in Berlin, Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin,
the Castleconnell Autumn Concert Series in Limerick, the Hudder5field Contemporary Music Festival,
Sheffield University and at the Piers Hellawell Portrait in St Andrews.
With thi5 increase in engagements many more opportunities have been created for local and international
guest conductors, instrumentalists and singers.
As a result of all of the above the objectives a￿ being achieved in a very positive manner.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no related parties to report save the board of trustees, and no transactions to report.
RESULTS
The surplus for the year was
£11,225 (2024:
£ 5,808
CHAR￿ABLE STATUS
The charity 15 an unincorporated charitable association. It is registered with the Charity Commission for
Northern Ireland under reference number 102506.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The direct benefits flowing from the purposes
(l) The benefits flowing from this purpose are in the the raising of awareness of art/music as a passive
or active activity that enables the population to enhance their quality of life through participation/
engagement in culture, arts and leisure activities. The improvement of interpretation of this music
offers the population a quality of provision in line with other major cities. In addition, we believe that
communities can now benefit, socially and culturally, from exposure to this music that has been previously
difficult to access
(2),The benefit which flows from these is that the organisation broadens the understanding and enriches
(3) cultural awareness, particularly in young people, for contemporary music. We make this music accessible
through a programme of workshops enabling engagement and participation. More widely we improve
awareness of the music amongst the general public through our promotion and concert programming
(4) The benefit flowing from this purpose is seen in the boost the existence of our organisation provides
to musical artists locally, both performers and composers. The ensemble encourages the appreciation of
art mu51C, that originate5 in our community, by the wider local community. The ensemble encourages
player5 and composers to become involved in music that is non-commercial, but has instead genuine
creative artistic merit at its core
(5) The benefit flowing from this purpose is in the broadening out of the general remit of the ensemble as a
means of attracting and building new audiences of people within the community for this music. Benefits are
capable of being demonstrated, proven and evidenced through monitoring the breadth of music that we
promote throughout our seasons, noting the number of local composers programmed and number of local
works performed, the number of premiere performances and the number of repeat performances.
Audience survey5 are used at events to assess audience satisfaction
information is collated and used
to inform future events thereby improving the dirett benefit to the public. In workshops Students and
participants are surveyed to ensure that they are benefiting directly from the event. Activities Such a5 the
organisation's engagement with art 5tudent5 demonstrate the broadening of our activitie5 where we
feel the music might benefit a wider audience base or attract young people outside the Spectrum of modern
and contemporary music and encourage them to become actively or pa55ively involved. Our work in
specially organized workshop5 Wlth young composers and performer5 and through a series of pre-concert
talks given throughout our programme, helps young people irnprove the technical language required
to communicate and helps them build confidence in their creative and expressive abilities. This benefit
is demonstrated in and evidenced by an improved capability and facility in their studies as a result.
Letters of recommendation from their profe550rs are testament to this outcome. No harm arises from
our purpose. The only private benefits flowing from our purposes are that musicians and composers,
who are the subject of our season's focu5, Stand to b*nefit in terms of their own professional experience,

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMEIVTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TRUSTEES, REPORT
(continued)
PUBLIC BENEFrr
(continued)
and while the organization seeks to "promote contemporary music" as stated in its objects, artists
careers will be promoted as incidental to that. Normally HRSE do not charge for educational workshops
and concert activities have pricing arrangements to include concessions for unemployed. Indeed, we have
use "test drive the arts" a facility that allows anyone to sign up for pre-allocated tickets at no charge
to allow them to engage with our ensemble for the first time.
The beneficiaries are the general public and young people (14-25 year olds) and no one connected to the
organisation gains a private benefit which is more than incidental to carrying out the purposes.
FINANCIAL REVIEW & RESERVES POLICY
Reserves at 31 March 2024 were
£31,024
The company's core expenditure is well controlled
due to the nature of the operations. It continues to expand its charitable and fund raising activities to ensure
it reaches as many people as possible. The profile of expenditure is as agreed with the funders when
applicable.
Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustee5 in furtherance
of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustee5 for particular
purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements if
identified as such. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific
restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The
cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.
IMPACT OF COVID-19
The impact of the coronavirus restrictions are now over five years ago. Activities are fully back to normal and
there has been no impact on the charity's sustainability due to the relatively low overhead model. The trustees
are satisfied that the charity can continue to endeavour to achieve its objectives.
GOING CONCERN
The trustees, having considered the charity's income streams, financial means and strategy for dealing
with issues such as the impact of Covid-19, over the next 12-18 month5, are satisified that the going
concern basis is appropriate.
FUTURE PLANS
As stated above the charity continues in its attempt to find relevant funders and projects to further its
objective5 in the coming years.
AUDIT EXEMPTION
In accordance with the provisions of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 the charity is exempt from
the statutory audit requirement.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
The independent examiner, Donald R Minshull FCA of Minshull & Company, Chartered Accountants and
ststutory Auditor, offers himself for re-appointment.
Gail Prentice
Trustee
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Date
29 May 2025

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
I have examined the financial statements, on pages 7 to 12, which comprise the Statement of Financial
Activities, Balance Sheet and related notes of Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and Charities
SORP (FRS 102) and the accounting policies set out therein.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an
audit is not required for this year under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and that an
independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
follow procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commisssion for Northern Ireland
under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission for NI,
as required under section 65{9)(b) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts
presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts,
and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not
provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether
the accounts present a 'true and fair. view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement
below.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 63 of the Charitie5 Act
2. The the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters l. to 4. listed above and,
in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commi55ion for Northern Ireland, I have found no
matter5 that require drawing to your attention.
Donald R Minshull FCA
Minshull & Co
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Date
29 May 2025
19 Crescent Business Park
LISBURN B T28 2GN

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
INCOME
Note
restricted
unrestricted
total
total
Activities for generating funds
Workshop & Concert Fees
Radio Fees
Donations
Income from Charitable Activities
Revenue grants and contracts credited
Other income
14,978
6,703
1,003
14,978
6,703
1,003
3,478
760
116,794
116,794
104,017
1,500
Investment Income
Bank interest
277
277
70
116.794
22,961
139,755
109,825
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Artists Fees
Travel and Accommodation Expenses
Piano Expenses
Commissions
Workshop & Concert Fees
Score Hire
Other Direct Charitable Expenditure
50,352
17,287
840
6,625
1,705
1,097
2,364
1,373
52,716
18,660
840
6,625
1,705
1,505
281
39, 635
12,364
900
7,206
2,020
190
408
281
Total
(77,906)
(4,426)
(82,332)
(62,315)
Income less charitable activities direct costs
38,888
18,535
57,423
47,510
Charitable activities - support costs
Insurance
Equipment repairs and leasing
Postage, stationery and office supplies
Advertlsing and publicity
Artistic Director & Concert Manager
Bank interest and charges
Depreciation
Sundry expenses
Governance costs
Accountancy & Audit Fees
Legal and professional fees
811
52
811
52
675
710
13
6,139
31,675
281
40
377
6,085
31,956
4,425
534
273
73
168
10,510
32,490
273
73
168
447
400
597
369
1,044
769
1,140
652
Total
(38,888)
{7,310)
(46,198)
(41,702)
Net in/(out)ward resources for the period 2
11,225
11,225
5,808
Balance brought forward at l April 2024
19,799
19,799
13,991
Balance carried forward at 31 March 2025
31,024
31,024
19.799
The charity made no other gains or losses during the year other than those stated above
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these accounts

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
2025
2024
Note
Fixed Assets
571
560
Current Assets
Grants receivable
Cash at bank and on hand
3,520
29,663
2, 000
26,906
33,183
28,906
Liabilitie4 (amounts falling due within one year)
Revenue grants deferred
Accruals
6,895
2, 772
2,730
2,730
9,667
Net Current Assets
30,453
19,239
Net Assets
31,024
19,799
FUNDS
General reserve
31,024
19,799
Restricted Funds
Balance at 31 March 2025
31,024
19,799
For the financial year in question the charity was entitled to exemption under Section 65 of the Charities Act
(Northern Ireland) 2008 relating to small charities. No one has required the charity to obtain an audit of its
accounts for the year in question.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to
the accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charities subject to the
Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Approved, and authorised to be issued, by the Board of Trustees on the date below and signed on its
behalf by
Gail Prentice
Trustee
Date
29 May 2025
The notes on page5 9 to 12 form part of these accounts

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered
material in relation to the charity's financial statements.
(a)
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 - Charities SORP (FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicabale in the
The charlty meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially
recognised at historical cost or transacton value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
(b)
Reconciliation With Previous Generally Accepted Accounting Prartice
In preparing the accounts, the trustees have decided that in applying the accounting policies required by
FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 no restatement of comparative items was required.
(c)
Preparation of the Accounts on a Going Concern Basis
The company reports
-£11,2.25 cash outflow for the year and the trustees have formulated a strategy that
will secure the immediate future of the company for the next 12 to 18 months and on that basis the charity is a
going concern.
(d)
Income
Income is recognised when the company has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions have been met,
it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants, of a revenue nature, is recognised when the company has entitlement to
the funds. any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met. it 15 probable that the income will be
received and the amount can be measured reliably arid is not repayable to the funder.
Capital grants are amortised in line with the depreciation of the associated assets, the purchase of which has been
funded by said grants.
(e)
Donated Services and Facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recogni5ed as income when the company has control over
the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the
use of the item by the charity is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with
the Chartie5 SORP (FRS 102) general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilitie5 are recogni5ed on the basis of the value of the gift
to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of
equivalent economic benefit on the open market,. a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the
period of receipt.
(fl
Interest Receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit Is included when receivable and the amount can bemeasured reliably by the
company, normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the financial institution.
(g)
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on artivities that further any of the purpoes of the company. Designated
funds are unrestricted funds of the charity that the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use
for a specific purpose. Restrirted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for
particular areas of the company's work.

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
(h)
Expenditure and Irrecoverable Value Added Tax
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it
is probable that settlement will be requireed and the amount of the obligationcan be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified under the following artivity headings,.
costs of raising funds comprise the costs of commercial trading
expenditure on charitable activities include5 the costs of activities undertaken to further the
purposes of the company
governance and support costs include all other costs
Unrecovered Value Added Tax is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Support Costs
Support costs are disclosed separately in the Statement of Financial Activities.
ti)
Tangible Fixed Assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £200 or more are stated in the accounts at original cost less depreciation in order
to write off the cost of fixed assets, over their estimated useful lives, using the following annual rate
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
10.00 %
33.330/0
(k)
Debtors
Debtors and accrued income are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments
are valued at the amount prepaid.
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three
months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or 5imialr account.
(m)
Creditors and Provisions
Creditors and provisions arè recognised where the company has a present obligation resulting from a past event
that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can
be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount
after any discounts.
(n)
Financial Instruments
The company only has financial a55ets 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.
(o)
Exemption from preparing a cashflow statement
Exemption has been taken from preparing a cashflow statement on the grounds that the company qualifies as
a small company.
(p)
Charity status and members liability
The charity is an unicorporated a55ociation. The members are the trustees as listed page 2.
2. DEFICIT/SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR IS STATED A￿ER CHARGING:
Accountancy Fees
Examination Fee5
694
350
10-

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)
3. TRUSTEES
The trustees received no emoluments nor expenses during the period.
4. PERSONNEL
Number of personnel
The average weekly number of persons engaged by the charity, excluding trustees, during the year was:
2025
number
2024
number
Managerial and administration
The remuneration paid to these persons was
Artistic Director and Concert Manager
32,490
31,675
32,490
31,675
No individuals had personal benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: £nil). As the above persons are self
employed there are no associated pension costs.
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures &
Fittings
TOTAL
COST
at l April 2024
Additions
640
84
640
84
at 31 March 2025
724
724
DEPRECIATION
at l April 2024
Charge for the Year
80
73
80
73
at 31 March 2025
153
153
NET BOOK VALUE
at 31 March 2025
571
571
11

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble
FINANCIAL STA TEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continuecl)
6. RESTRICTED FUND GRANTS AND FEES
2025
2024
Funder - Arts Council Northern Ireland
Queen's University Belfast/Ulster University
Cultu re Ireland
British Council
Performing Rights Society Fund
Arts & Business Northern Ireland
Belfast City Council
53,007
16,415
3,520
7,000
27,220
6,185
1,800
79,411
8,510
3,251
5,500
13,000
Total amounts received in year
115,147
109,672
Amount accrued at l April 2023
Amount deferred at l April 2023
(2,000)
6,895
(1,000)
240
Amount accrued at 31 March 2024
Amount deferred at 31 March 2024
Capital grant received
3,520
2,000
(6,895)
(6,768)
Credit to Statement of Financial Activities
116,794
104,017
7. RESTRICTED FUNDS SUMMARY
Opening
Balance
Incomel Expenditure/
Credits
Transfers
Closing
Balance
Arts Council Northern Ireland
Queen's University Belfast/Ulster University
Culture Ireland
Performing Rights Society Fund
British Council
Arts & Business Northern Ireland
Belfast City Council
50,904
16,415
7,040
27,220
7,230
6,185
1,800
(50,904)
(16,415)
(7,040)
(27,220)
(7,230)
(6,185)
(1,800)
Total
116,794
(116,794)
8. RELATED PARTY
There were no related party transaction5 to note.
9. STATUTORY INFORMATION
Hard Rain Soloi5tEnsemble is an unincorporated association. The charity's Charity Commission for
Northern Ireland's reference can be found on the company information page.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£),
12-