Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
OPERA BOHEMIA
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustees Report and Accounts for the period ended 31[st] December 2024
Scottish Charity Number SC046576
1
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Trustees' Report for the period ended 31[st] December 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and accounts for Opera Bohemia for the year to 31[st] December 2024.
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Structure and Governing Document
Opera Bohemia was awarded charitable status on 20th May 2016 in the form of a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation with the charity number SC046576. Opera Bohemia is governed by a Constitution which clearly sets out its purposes and how the Charity is to be administered by the Trustees.
Trustees
The Trustees who served during the year are noted on page 5. The Trustees are responsible for the governance, supervision and defining the strategy and objectives of Opera Bohemia. The Trustees also have principal responsibility for finance, fundraising, policies and procedures, risk management and contractual obligations. The Trustees meet regularly to fulfil their duties. A Management Committee, consisting of the Trustees and the two founders, meets regularly and informally to address detailed matters pertaining to the general day to day running of the charity.
The Constitution permits the appointment of up to 6 Trustees and requires a minimum of 3 Trustees. At the date of signing the Accounts, 3 Trustees held office. The Trustees have been and continue to actively recruit additional Trustees.
Trustees come from a variety of backgrounds including music, education and the legal and commercial world. In inviting individuals to assume the position of a Trustee, the expectation is they will evidence their commitment to Opera Bohemia through setting aside sufficient time to participate in regular Trustees meetings in the use of the skills for the benefit of the Charity. The appointment of new Trustees is the responsibility of the existing Trustees. We are seeking to rotate and grow the number of Trustees and hope to achieve this in the coming year 2025. The pandemic impacted on this process.
Risk Management
The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which Opera Bohemia faces and confirm that adequate systems and controls are in place to mitigate such risks. Matters relating to risk management are addressed at meetings of the Trustees and Management Committee.
Post-pandemic
While Opera Bohemia faced major challenges in responding to the pandemic and the lockdowns imposed on travel, performance venues and schools, the post-pandemic period has seen a gradual recovery in activities and audience return showing improvements in 2023 and a return to close to pre-pandemic engagements in 2024.
Aims
Opera Bohemia exists to achieve three main goals:
-
To produce more operatic performances across Scotland
-
To create opportunities for professional artists in all areas of opera
-
To introduce opera to first time opera goers and a younger generation in a dynamic way
The cast is comprised of passionate individuals driven by their love for their art and their enthusiasm to increase the availability of opera to a wider audience. They continue to tour their operas to more remote areas of Scotland where the opportunity to experience their modern interpretation of famous operas, performed by rising operatic stars has proved hugely popular
The charitable purposes of Opera Bohemia as set out in the Constitution and are the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science.
2
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576 Trusteès. Report leonll ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31$t DEC 2024 Introductlon and Histo In January 2010, ocidad that they would croatè a production of Puccini's "La Bohémè to be wrformed in thèir hOMetn$ and at thè Edinburgh Festival Fringè. Aftèr thè overwhèlming success of their initial perfomiance5, they decided lo take La Btheme further and toured arourKI Scotland. ofo era Bohemia The experience the young cast and audiences shared was unique and followng feedback from audience members around the county, expressing their enthusiasm and strong desire to see more opera productions. Opera 8ohemia was fomied. Tha company has wrformad now at over fity vanuas acr(Iss Scodand with highlights including thè first opèra at thè nèw Bèacon Arts Centre Thèatrè (Greenotkl and an invitation to pèrfom "Madamè Butterfy in London. Thèse performances took place in Middle Temple and helped raise over a quarter of a million pounds for the Muir Maxwell Trust. 2013 saw the formation of the Opera Bohemia Ensemble, a chamber orchestra showcasing some of Scotland's most talented musicians. The Opera 8ohemia Ensemble made ils first appearance at the company's opening performance of'Eugene Onegin" and they continue lo perform al many of the larger venues. Actlvltles In thls reportlng perlod Fdlowing a highly successful 2023 season with thè revival of Madama BLrtteffly, in 2024, Opera Bohèmia pèrform reima inin of Puccini'5 masterpi n wa5 by WIth costume and set design by Scottish Soprano ined the cast in the lead role. egan her musical lrfe as a pianis an umpet player before s ying or er Mus at The Royal Conservatoire o colland. She has won multiple awards induding the Jean Highgate Scholarship Award and second place in the Hugh S Roberton Scots Song competition. She radualed from the Royal College of Music wf(h a Distinction in the Masters in Vocal Performance programmo. as porformad at tho most prostigious houses in tha country including English National Opgra, Scottish O era and The Ro al O èra house orted b a stron cast of Scottish artists ineludin Onc& again, th• company was able lo reach across Scouand p8rfomiances in. Glasgow 29th June 2024 Grffnock 30th June 2024 Ayr 2nd July 2024 Perth 4th July 2024 Isle of Bute 6th July 2024 Dumfries 7th July 2024 Athough this was a small•r number of venues than in previous years, demand for tickets remained high and tho popular cast proved once again to ba a major draw, playing to packed housès at all parfomiancas. Thè intontion was to extend the run of Tosca into a larger number of venues in the 2025 season. Extending a perfom)anc6 ovèr trNo sea50n5 allows Opera Bohemia to reach more venues and communitie5 providing a more equitable approach, given the geography of the follomfjng Opera Bohemia has generated over recent years. Furthernre, il means the company is being more environmentslly friendly, ensuring that sets created for each opera are used in the extended run. 11 is also the hope that Opera Bohemia's Tosca wll be performed beyond 2025. As reported in 2023, Opara Bohamia wgra invitad to work with Maostr o Orchestra of Scottish Opara and Retrospect Opara. to racord tha chorus parts for Stanford's forgottèn romantic comie opara, Shamus O'Brian. This first ever recording of Shamu5 0'8rien released on the Retrospect Opera label (SKU- R0011} was nominated in the Opera Category for the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2024. Opera Bohemia performances continue to generate excellent media reviews for example 'Opera Bohemia are Opera's perfeGt evangelists as they sound theirsong annd Scolland. (The Student Newspaper) This company is a wealth of extraordinary fresh talgnt, (The List). A breath of fresh airon tho operatic cirGUit' rrho Couriorl. The Educatlon Programme As in previou5 year5 Opera Bohemia has continued to Flay a role in trying lo ensure the sustsinability of opera within sCoand. The education programme and the performances lo smaller communitie5 that are less likely lo have an
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Trustees' Report (con't)
opportunity to experience opera, remain important to this effort. As the 2024 programme ran during the schools’ summer vacation direct access to schools was not possible this year. The feedback from teachers on the digital clips of the Marriage of Figaro workshops from the Beacon Arts Centre that were assembled into an educational video continue to be a huge success reaching an expanded number of schools highlighting concepts that are relevant to the SQA examinations supporting schools through the SQA examinations.
Looking ahead – 2025 As mentioned above the intention is to extend the run of Tosca into 2025. Directed by and designed by the drama is plunged into a world of crime and passion amidst the treacherous mafia underworld. Award-winning Scottish soprano will once again lead a star cast in the iconic title role. The production will be performed in a special new version for piano and solo violin and sung in English. The tentative programme includes,
Lossiemouth, 19th July 2025. Inverness, 29th July 2025. Wick, 21st July 2025. Greenock, 31[st] July 2025. Orkney, 23rd July 2025. Stonehaven 2[nd] August 2025. Boat of Garten, 25th July 2025. Kirkcaldy 3[rd] August 2025 Lanark, 27th July 2025.
The Education Programme for 2025 will include the delivery of workshops for Bearsden Academy at Wiston Lodge in 2025. The digital clips of the Marriage of Figaro workshops from the Beacon Arts Centre will continue to be used to support teachers and students through the SQA examinations.
Governance
The key aspects of Governance identified in previous reporting remain the same but there is an even greater degree of optimism now that Madama Butterfly and Tosca have been such a tremendous success with new and returning audiences. However, the accomplishments of Opera Bohemia and the growing reputation, for high-quality, professional performances, coupled with the success of the education programme remains a major challenge to the founders who juggle their packed portfolio careers to accommodate the intense demands of Opera Bohemia. The increasing appetite of audiences for an extended programme of performances and more regular visits to the more geographically remote venues adds to the pressure on the team. Opera Bohemia remains committed to being more ambitious both with the scale, scope and variety of the productions it offers. There is clearly a demand across Scotland for the high-quality, professional performances that have become the hallmark of Opera Bohemia.
We are delivering on our three aims. Firstly, Opera Bohemia has produced and delivered more operatic performances across Scotland. Secondly, multiple opportunities have been created for professional artists, and particularly younger Scottish artists at the start of their professional careers. In addition, we continue to attract international interest from artists from across the globe who are keen to both learn from, and contribute to, Opera Bohemia’s exciting programmes. Thirdly, while Opera Bohemia now has a now well-established following, we continue to attract first time opera goers and through the dedicated school performances and dynamic engagement programme. Opera Bohemia is introducing a younger generation to opera who might never otherwise have had the opportunity to experience live opera. Based on feedback from teachers, there is a genuine prospect of some of the students becoming life-long fans of opera and for those interested in music, widened horizons on career opportunities. From a financial perspective, the tension remains between reaching out to small and new communities and venues and providing opera experiences where they might not otherwise be available. We continue to cross-subsidise performances at the smaller venues using the income from the bigger audiences. The Board remains committed to continuing that reach into smaller communities and venues and will continue to monitor the impact on sustainability. We continue to be impressed by the quality of the performances that are being delivered by the Company and the audience reaction to them.
Financial Review
In the period reported in these accounts, unrestricted income amounted to £42,429 (2023: £96,528). Restricted income amounted to £34,714. No restricted funds remained at the end of the period. Charitable expenditure of £67,518 (2023: £86,649) was incurred resulting in a surplus of £9,625 (2023 surplus £9,879).
Reserves
Reserves of £67,222 were held on 31 December 2024 (2023 £57,597). Prior to the receipt of funds from Creative Scotland funds being received in 2024, reserves, were £36k. It should be noted that mid-year movements require reserves of £30k, so underlying reserves are £36k.
4
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576 Reference and Administrative Infonnation Charity Namè RISter0d Addrass CharTty Number SC046576 Bankers Royal Bank of Seotland, 23125 Rosslyn Street Kircaldy Frfe Scoljand KY13HW Day lo day managemènt of tho charity is carried out by founde Approvad by the Tnjstaas on 24 septeMr 2025.
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Opera Bohemia
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The charities trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the
Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 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 seeks 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention (other than disclosed below)
- which gives me reasonable causes to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 24 September 2025
Address:
6
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Receipts and Payments Account For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
Total Funds |
Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds Total Funds |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts | 4 | ||||||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 2023 |
|||
| Donations Received | 1,995 | - |
1,995 |
4,320 |
- 4,320 |
||
| Gift Aid Refund | 1,915 | - |
1,915 |
- |
- - |
||
| Grants Received | 43,537 | - |
43,537 |
39,270 |
- 39,270 |
||
| Bank Interest Received | 227 | - |
227 |
144.09 |
- 144 |
||
| Performances Income | 29,469 | - |
29,469 |
52,795 |
- 52,795 |
||
| Total Receipts | 77,143 | - |
77,143 |
96,528 |
- 96,528 |
||
| Payments | |||||||
| Cost of Charitable Activities | 5/6 | 67,518 | - | 67,518 |
86,649 | - 86,649 |
|
| Total Payments | 67,518 | - | 67,518 |
86,649 | - 86,649 |
||
| Surplus/(Deficit) for the year | 9,625 | - | 9,625 |
9,879 | - 9,879 |
||
| Opening Funds | 57,597 | - | 57,597 |
47,718 | - 47,718 |
||
| Closing Funds | 67,222 | - | 67,222 |
57,597 | - 57,597 |
||
The notes on page 9-10 form an integral part of these accounts
7
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576 siaiemeni ofBalances ai 31 December 2024 Unrstrl¢ted Restricled Fund8 Funds 2024 2024 Tot•l Funds 2024 unl¢ted Funds 2023 Restridtd Fund8 2023 Totsl Fund8 20ZJ Bank Balance ning Bala8 01101r2023 57,6(Al 57.600 47.721 47.721 Suplus I {D8rti 9.625 9.879 9,879 Bk BalarKe at 3111212024 67,225 67,225 57,600 57,6 0110112024 Rec•ipts Paym•rts 3111212024 011011223 R•uipt8 Paorts 31112r20rJ Reserv Funds Unrestrid&l Funds 57. 42.429 32.804 67.225 47.721 96.528 86.649 57.6 Restrict FurNJ5 34.714 34.714 Baance 8t 31112r2(r24 57,eiKJ 77,143 67,518 67.225 47,721 .528 96.649 57,6WI Thè notas on pagos 9-10 form an intègral part of thgsa accounts Apprgved by the Tru51ees on 24th September 2025 and signgj on their behaw by Chair
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Notes to the Accounts for the Period Ended 31 December 2024
Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
• The accounts have been prepared on receipts and payments basis in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
Nature and purpose of funds
• Unrestricted Funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The trustees maintain a single unrestricted fund for the day to day running of the organisation.
• Restricted Funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes. During the year, the SCIO received grants.
Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources
• Donations, legacies and similar incoming resources are included in the year in which they are received. No legacies were received during the period covered in these accounts. The charity benefitted from the accumulated funds generated by the organisation prior to becoming a charity.
Transactions with Trustees
Trustees receive no remuneration or expenses.
Transactions with Founders
The two founders who are closely involved in the management of the charity were reimbursed for expenses and contributions to the charitable activities of Opera Bohemia. This Included” Management Fees for the running of projects : £14,500 (2023: £15,448) Artistic fees for performing or directing or educational work : £7,250, £7,250 (2023 - £7,724, £7,724) and reimbursement of necessarily incurred production and travel costs 2024 – £224 (2023 - £0).
9
Opera Bohemia Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Scottish Charity Number SC046576
Notes to the Accounts for the Period Ended 31 December 2024 (con't)
| 4 | Income | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total 2024 £ 1,995 |
Unrestricted | Restricted Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||||||
| Donations | £ | £ | £ | £ £ |
||
| Donations from individuals | 1,995 | - |
4,320 | - 4,320 |
||
| Total Donations | 1,995 | - |
1,995 |
4,320 | - 4,320 |
|
41,817 - - - - - - 1,720 |
||||||
| Grants from Trusts | ||||||
| Creative Scotland | 7,103 | 34,714 |
26,250 | - 26,250 |
||
| Royal Conservatoire | - | - |
4,254 | - 4,254 |
||
| Leisure and Culture | - | - |
350 | - 350 |
||
| Horsecross Arts | - | - |
2,668 | - 2,668 |
||
| Haddo Arts | - | - |
825 | - 825 |
||
| Active Events Lts | - | - |
922 | - 922 |
||
| Turcan Connell | - | - |
4,000 | - 4,000 |
||
| Music International | 1,720 | - |
- | - - |
||
| 8,823 | 34,714 |
43,537 |
39,270 | - 39,270 |
||
29,469 227 1,915 |
||||||
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Income from Performances | 29,469 | - |
52,795 | - 52,795 |
||
| Bank Interest | 227 | - |
144 | - 144 |
||
| Gift Aid | 1,915 | - |
- | - - |
||
| 31,611 | - |
31,611 |
52,939 | - 52,939 |
||
| Total 2024 £ 27,540 14,500 4,397 18,331 350 1,800 600 - |
||||||
| 5 | Costs of Charitable Activities | Unrestricted | Restricted | Unrestricted | Restricted Total 2023 |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ £ |
|||
| Performer Fees | 1,550 | 25,990 |
41,684 | - 41,684 |
||
| Management Fees | 14,500 | - |
15,448 | - 15,448 |
||
| Travel & Accommodation | 4,397 | - |
14,915 | - 14,915 |
||
| Production Costs | 9,607 | 8,724 |
11,472 | - 11,472 |
||
| Venue Hire | 350 | - |
- | - - |
||
| Storage & Insurance | 1,800 | - |
2,050 | - 2,050 |
||
| Accountancy Fees | 600 | - |
630 | - 630 |
||
| Website | - | - |
- | - - |
||
| 32,804 | 34,714 |
67,518 |
86,199 | - 86,199 |
||
| 6 | Payments made in error repayed in 2025 | 347 | 347 | 450 | 450 |
10