Annual Review 2012/2013
Elvis Costello
Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
“ This is an iconic venue which has played a huge part in the life of so many people in Bristol.” Mike Ribbeck, The Bristol Post May 2013
Looking Ahead 2012/13 has been an excellent year for the Trust. We have enjoyed an eclectic mix of musical genres to deliberately attract diverse audiences across all age groups – there is nothing more compelling than to see 500 school children performing in the main hall alongside the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Next year sees us working with the BSO and Krill Karabits on performances of Britten’s War Requiem and the complete cycle of Brahms’ symphonies. Visiting orchestras for the 2013/14 season include the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Tonkunstler Orchestra and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. We will of course continue to build our partnerships with local organisations including the Bristol Choral Society and the Bristol Ensemble. We also present a strong comedy programme at the Hall with comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Alexei Sayle, Paul Merton and Milton Jones. In addition to operating Colston Hall, our second main strategic purpose is to promote music education across the region. In March 2013 we launched Bristol Plays Music, a new strategic music hub partnership with Bristol City Council, to provide music education to the city. This is funded by Arts Council England. Our intention is to take full responsibility for the city’s flagship schools music service in late 2013 with the transfer of the Bristol Arts and Music Service to the Trust. This initiative,
combined with our successful Colston Hall Education unit, will enable us to drive forward new inspirational music learning programmes for young people across Bristol and the West of England. Perhaps our greatest ambition is to transform the interior of Colston Hall within its current fabric to match the wonderful foyer space that opened in 2009. The historical building dating back to the 1860s and last reshaped in 1951 is now in very poor condition. We have a radical redesign to create an all embracing centre for music including a world-class concert hall, an intimate second hall retaining its historic charm, a small club-style venue in the iconic Victorian arched cellars, extensive rehearsal and education facilities, and informal cafe and meeting spaces. We are working with Bristol City Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery and others to bring this ambition to fruition. Louise Mitchell Chief Executive
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Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
What a Year It’s been quite a journey since joining the Colston Hall team as Head of Programme in July 2012 with a palpable sense of change and excitement about the future of the hall permeating throughout the organisation. In the short time that I’ve been here I feel the programme has begun to develop into a more coherent and accomplished offer that will appeal to audiences across the spectrum and hopefully see a significant increase in new visitors to the hall. As ever, we’re offering audiences the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in rock, pop, jazz, world music and comedy and to experience top quality classical music. After all, Colston Hall is the only place in Bristol, or indeed the surrounding area, that can offer audiences an international season of world class orchestras, conductors and soloists as part of its varied programme. Particular highlights in 12/13 included the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and the Prague Symphony Orchestra, as well as two of London’s finest in the shape of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia, with whom we have established a fruitful on-going relationship. We were particularly pleased to see the legendary conductor Lorin Maazel head the Philharmonia on their visit in December 2012 and we’re hopeful the trend for big name conductors accompanying the best orchestras will continue into seasons to come. The contemporary element of our programme saw two major festivals take place at the Hall, the Bristol Folk Festival and the inaugural Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival. The incredible atmosphere throughout the building during the jazz festival was testament to the fantastic job the organisers did in engaging Bristol audiences not only with the programme in the main auditorium and smaller hall but also with the free foyer performances and late night jam sessions in the stalls bar. The sight of hundreds of people crowded onto the walkways and stairs watching the foyer performances was something I’d not witnessed before and created a buzz around the place that will live long in my memory.
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Audiences were also treated to fantastic shows from Scissor Sisters, The XX, Richard Hawley, Rufus Wainwright, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Ben Howard, Jools Holland, The Tallest Man on Earth, Tinariwen, Rizzle Kicks, Dexy’s, Nancy Griffiths and Elvis Costello to name but a few. Most of these sold out which is encouraging at a time when we must be ever mindful of the financial climate and its impact on audiences. The comedy element of our programme also continues to grow; as do the audiences for it. From Sarah Millican to Jimmy Carr, Joan Rivers to Al Murray, Rhod Gilbert to Milton Jones we’ve been attracting some of the biggest names in comedy and the number of top comedians wanting to play Colston Hall shows no sign of abating. 2013 and 2014 are already looking strong and I’m personally looking forward to seeing Stewart Lee’s first performance at the Hall when the world’s 41st best stand up will no doubt impress with his unique brand of cerebral comedy. So what can audiences expect from us in the future? We will of course continue to ensure the best artists are presented here but we will also be looking to give audiences the opportunity to see more challenging work and offer a few surprises. Ultimately, our aim is to create an ambitious and varied programme that will enhance the reputation of the hall both nationally and internationally, firmly establish its reputation for quality, and become an essential component within the cultural fabric not only of the South West but nationally. There’s much to be done to achieve all of these goals but we’re on the right path and the years ahead look very exciting indeed. Todd Wills Head of Programme
Philharmonia Orchestra
“The best live experience I have ever had.�
Audience Member
“I don’t think I’d be anywhere if I hadn’t started coming to song writing because they’ve kind of guided me in the right direction, inspired me and mentored me through.” Saturday Sessions Participant
Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
Education 700 sessions and workshops over 1200 hours to over 500 individuals, attracting 200 new participants, 320 hours of conference and training sessions to 260 music leaders. Bristol Plays Music The music education hub, Bristol Plays Music, was officially launched in March 2013 as a strategic partnership between Bristol Music Trust and Bristol Arts & Music Service (in response to the DFE National Plan for Music Education) to support music learning opportunities for young people. From 1 September 2013 Bristol Arts & Music Service transferred into Bristol Music Trust and is now part of Bristol Plays Music. Sound Splash This music inclusion programme has brought together both local and regional partners to provide music-making projects in areas where there are currently limited opportunities available to children in challenging circumstances. Remix Youth Ensemble We have brought together 40 local young people with a wide range of musical ability to form Bristol’s first multi-genre ensemble fusing live instruments with modern technology and production techniques, and working closely with professional arrangers and guest artists to develop the material.
Remix Academy 200 members, 30 to 40 young people regularly attend weekly song-writing and music technology workshops and receive music mentoring. With help from professional local musicians, young aspiring artists interested in composition and performance can get expert help and guidance to develop the musical talent and skills they will need to forge a career in the music industry. Routes South West We have developed a network of venues and promoters in the South-West and work has begun on an audience development project to help to bring quality tours and artists to the region. Partners We are lead partners in the Youth Music Musical Inclusion Module, the successful Bristol Music Education Hub bid with Bristol Arts and Music Service, and sit on the steering group of the Bristol Music Educators Partnership. We also take an active part in the Alternative Education Providers framework and Bristol Youth Links. Bristol Music Trust is committed to continue to develop, deliver and increase participation in stimulating and enriching education and development programmes for children, young people and adults in Bristol and the South-West.
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Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
Our Year in Numbers Bristol Music Trust’s first full year of activity from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 has resulted in an overall unrestricted surplus of £27,605 on total incoming resources of £4,155,582, with an additional £212,506 of restricted funding to be carried forward into the next financial year. These figures are extracted from Bristol Music Trust’s full statutory Trustee’s Annual Report & Financial Statements which were approved by the Trustees on 9 September 2013, and on which the auditors Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP gave an unqualified audit report. The full report will be submitted to the Charity Commission and to the Registrar of Companies and is available on the Colston Hall website. • 400 performances for which 179,455 tickets were sold • An additional 29,845 tickets sold for future performances • 13% of tickets sold were concessions • 190 performances in the main auditorium • 125 performances took place in our more intimate hall • 85 free foyer performances • 22 community events
• An unrestricted surplus of £27,605 • Funds carried forward £334,219 • £192,381 gift aid payment from BMT Enterprises Ltd (all profits from our trading subsidiary are passed to Bristol Music Trust) • 95% of ticket purchases and enquiries dealt with at the first point of contact • 84% of phone calls answered • 97% of customers are fairly satisfied or very satisfied with Colston Hall’s customer service.
• £4.1 million total incoming resources
“ My first time at CH and think it is modern clean and well managed – a good looking building too!” Audience Member
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“ It’s my concert hall. I’ve been coming here for 70 years and I’ve made some friends along the way.” Albert, Classical Concert Attender
Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
Total incoming resources for the year ended 31 Mar 2013 – £4,155,582
Voluntary income £1,844,484
£1,604,066
Activities for generating funds (BMT enterprises ltd) Investment income Charitable activities income
£698,382 £8,650
Total resources expended for the year ended 31 Mar 2013 – £3,915,471 £9,201 £506,001 Costs of generating funds (BMT enterprises ltd) Costs of charitable activities £3,400,269
Governance costs
Total funds carried forward at 31 Mar 2013 – £334,219
£27,605
Net incoming resources – unrestricted funds Net incoming resources – restricted funds
£86,300
Fund balances brought forward 1 Apr 2012 – unrestricted funds £7,808
£212,506
Fund balances brought forward 1 Apr 2012 – restricted funds
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Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
Thank You to our Partners Principal Sponsors Arts Council England Bristol City Council Major Sponsors The Monument Trust Youth Music Sponsors Brewin Dolphin Capita Symonds Gregg Latchams Solicitors & Notaries Quartet Community Foundation Wessex Water Corporate Members Marriott Brewin Dolphin Supporters BBC Music Magazine Bristol IT Company Digital Visitor Evans Audio Harveys Cellars Marriott Trustees Stuart Avery (to Dec 12) Michele Balfe Marti Burgess Simon Chapman (Honorary Treasurer) Cllr. Simon Cook Paul Fordham Henry Kenyon (Chair) Marie McCluskey Sir Brian McMaster Andrew Nisbett
Poppy Stephenson James Wetz Artistic Partners Asian Arts Agency Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Bristol Ensemble Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival Making Tracks Music Beyond Mainstream Routes South West Education Partners Access To Music Arts Awards Arts Council England SW AWP NHS BANES Music Services Basement Project Bath Festivals Bath Spa University BBC Introducing in the West BBC Performing Arts Fund B-Creative BIMM Bridgwater College Brisfest Bristol Arts and Music Services Bristol Brunel Academy Bristol Music Education Partnership Bristol Music Industry Network Chipping Sodbury School City Academy Bristol City of Bristol College Cotham School Creative Youth Network CYMAZ DBS
Drake Music Fairfield School Green Man Festival Henbury School Knowle West Media Centre Learning Communities Team Make Some Noise Monument Trust MUSE Music Project North Somerset Music Services Princes Trust RiO Shambala Festival South Gloucestershire Music Services South West Music School Superact The Station Trinity Arts UK Music Welsh National Opera Weston College Wiltshire Music Centre Wiltshire Music Services Womad Youth Music
The list above represents the partners with whom we were working at the end of the financial year in March 2013.
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Bristol Music Trust Annual Review 2012/2013
Future Over the next three years, we will present a rich mix of local, UK, and international artists across all genres and put education as well as entertainment at the heart of all that we do. Our strategic vision is to ensure that: • Colston Hall continues to develop as a strong, confident, creative, and artistically vibrant musical brand, with a reputation for creative excellence and diversity • Bristol Music Trust develops its own brand as a leader, supporter, and innovator in the musical life of Bristol and the South-West • The Trust is financially secure and commercially astute, maximising funds available for artistic and educational objectives, and building an independent, responsive, fit for purpose business infrastructure • Plans for the building redevelopment are finalised, with an inspiring and pragmatic vision for the Colston Hall of the future, and a bold fundraising campaign launched • The Trust continues to support young people’s music making and takes a leadership role in all aspects of music education in the city
• With a successful Music Education Hub bid and the planned integration of Bristol Plays Music into the body of Bristol Music Trust from Autumn 2013, we will maximise opportunities for young people • We continue to build creative partnerships with local, national and international artists and organisations, to inspire and energise our music and educational programmes • We continue to develop our organisational culture to be creative, flexible, collaborative and professional; and to motivate our people to improve performance with appropriate HR policies and procedures, training and development, and managerial support • The Colston Hall building becomes a welcoming, lively music hub for the city.
Breakin' Convention
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Bristol Music Trust Colston Hall Colston Street Bristol BS1 5AR box office 0844 887 1500 www.colstonhall.org
Bristol Music Trust is a charity registered in England & Wales (no. 1140898). A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England no. 7531978. VAT no. 108248327.