GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Registered as a Charity No.
1026337
President: Vernon Handley
Chorus Master: Jeremy Backhouse
Accompanist: Jeremy Filsell
Chairman: John Trigg, 13 Vicarage Gate, Onslow Village, CMJJ{;,({, Gl 5Q). Til- 01483 566341
Secretary: Stephen%,,m Cllreholl,” Folday Glads, Plkiny i Wlargy Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6PG. Tel: 01306 730383
raasarer: Christopher Robinson, The Coach House, Slation Bod Godelo, Surrag, GU7 1EX. L 01485 425400
Wionbasbip Sve: Voren Ayt 51 Gorrich Clow, Moo, Walln . Tomer, Svora, K12 512 T 01932 221918
NOTICE is hereby given to ALL MEMBERS of the CHOIR that the
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of the Guildford Philharmonic Choir will be held after rehearsal
at 8.30pm on Monday June 3rd 1996 at the
Methodist Church Hall, Woodbridge Road, Guildford, Surrey GUT 4RB
when the following business will be transacted.
1.
Apologies for Absence
2.
Agreement of the Minutes of the AGM held on June 12th 1995 (copy attached)
Matters arising from the Minutes of the 1995 AGM.
3.
Chairman's Report
Treasurer's Report and Presentation of Accounts for the Year to April 30th
1996. Approval of Accounts.
5.
Chorus Master's Report
6.
Adoption of revised Clauses 5 & 10 of the Constitution (copies attached).
Note that these items each require a two-thirds majority to pass.
7.
Election of Officers:
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
Membership Secretary
Election of Four Additional Committee Members
8.
Recommendation to Guildford Borough Council on the Appointment
(Re-appointment) of a Chorus Master.
9. Appointment of an Accompanist on the recommendation of the Chorus Master.
10. Appointment of an Independent Examiner of Accounts.
11. Any Other Business (which must have been notified to - and accepted for
inclusion by - the Chairman prior to the Meeting).
12. Election of Voice-Part Representatives. For this item, the Choir will
divide into seven groups, consisting of each Voice Part, but with all
Tenors in a single group.
April 22nd 1996
o~
tephen Jepsen
Hon Secretary, Guildford Philharmonic Choir
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the Meeting.
[c:\choirlcommitteelagm96jun.doc p 1+ 1]
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Registered as a Charity No. 1026337
Gk
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
MINUTES of the Annual General Meeting held at 8.30pm on Monday June 3rd 1996 in
the Methodist Church Hall, Guildford.
PRESENT: Jeremy Backhouse (Chorus Director), Nicola Goold (Philharmonic General
Manager), John Trigg (Chairman),
8 members of the committee and 80 choir members
whose names are recorded on the associated register.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: John Britten, Neil Clayton and Penny Overton.
1. The Minutes of the AGM held on June 12th 1995, having been circulated, were
agreed as a correct record and signed.
2. MATTERS ARISING: None.
3. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: After welcoming Nicola Goold on behalf of the members,
John Trigg said that after the difficulties of last year, he was pleased to
report what he considered a satisfying, stable, first full year with Jeremy
Backhouse, which had nevertheless managed to be full of excitement.
He felt
that the present professional team of "the two Jeremys" had together
developed a good working relationship with the choir, with Jeremy Backhouse
missing only two rehearsals - amazing considering his many other commitments,
and especially so when remembering all those early starts for auditions.
John then commented on some of the musical highlights since the last
AGM,
mentioning especially: The venture of our first Open Air Summer Concert,
working with the composer on Jonathan Willcocks's "Great is the Glory", the
National Trust Centenary Carol Concert at Chichester, the Dvordk Stabat Mater
with the Freiburger Bachchor, the Ed Warren "nautical” concert, and, not
least, the Verdi Requiem with Grant Llewellyn, who was also coping with a
nasty dose of 'flu at the time. After that concert, many people (including
John Ludlow) had told him they had never heard the choir sing better,
including a comment that every concert heard had been the best yet!
Conductors had also been effusive in their praise. He thought that Jeremy
could not hear better thanks for his work, but he was now thanking him on
behalf of the choir nevertheless.
The Freiburg visit had been all too short but again highly successful. Our
organisation seemed to work well so it was a relief that coach trouble had
not been our problem this year, with our own coach contractors helping out
the Freiburg ones in an off-the-cuff extension of our respective choirs’ long
and happy relationship. Cornelia's severe autobahn accident was a shock, but
it was good to hear she was now home and making steady, if slow, progress.
Freiburg's new purpose-built Practice Hall was due to open on June 8th.
John apologised for the seemingly endless notices and paper circulating
during rehearsals. The choir's management, in the shape of the Committee, had
had a very busy year with the extra items and so much that was new (eg
Shalford Park and Chichester) and that what most members had seen was only a
tiny portion of the work that had gone on behind the scenes. He hoped that
this had been seen as efficient and not officious. It was the desire of both
Jeremy and the Committee to produce presentations and performances
commensurate with the professional standing of the Orchestra with which we
were associated.
John completed his report by thanking Penny, Margaret and Christine, who
were retiring from the Committee - though not from active duty - Chris (who
was definitely not retiring) for his tireless negotiation with the taxman,
and the choir members for all their hard work. The dramatic improvement had
been noted.
In that context, although most members' behaviour was
exemplary, he wanted to remind everyone that weekly rehearsals were not
optional.
Moreover, absences from final piano rehearsals or orchestral
rehearsals were only grantable by the Chorus Director, and singing presence
at concerts was not a matter of choice by a member from the "menu”
available.
We had a new management team at Millmead and it was up to us to
support it.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Presenting the 1995/96 Treasurer's Report and Accounts
(attached), Chris Robinson said that although there was nothing about the
state of the Choir's finances which should cause concern, we had not ended
the year with the high balances anticipated.
quite high.
Expenses in this year had been
Choir numbers were down slightly but the covenanting level was
extraordinarily high.
He was not recommending that subscriptions should be
increased for the current year, but this could not be ruled out for the
future.
The alternative was to increase fund-raising.
Chris then thanked
Bob Cowell for all his help during the year and for his efficient audit.
There were no questions from members for the Treasurer.
Formal adoption of the accounts was proposed by Michael Jeffery, seconded by
Nick Lamb and approved nem.con.
CHORUS MASTER'S REPORT: Jeremy Backhouse's report (attached) was warmly
received.
REVISED CONSTITUTION (requiring a two-thirds majority): The proposed
revisions to clauses 5 and 10 of the Constitution had been circulated prior
to the meeting together with Chris Robinson's explanation for the change.
John Trigg asked for any questions or objections. There being none, he
proposed that the revised clauses be duly incorporated.
This was carried
nem.con.
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN, SECRETARY, TREASURER, & MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY:
CHAIRMAN: John Trigg
)
SECRETARY: Stephen Jepson
) were elected
TREASURER: Chris Robinson
)
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Noreen Ayton
)
unopposed
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
There were five nominations for four places. John Trigg proposed that the
first four nominees listed alphabetically (Jackie Alderton, Roger Penny,
Susan Ranft and Joan Robinson) should be declared elected unopposed and that
the new Committee should be recommended to co-opt Rosemary Smith at the
first committee meeting. Joy Hunter seconded this and the motion was carried
nem.con.
APPOINTMENT OF CHORUS MASTER FOR 1996/7 SEASON: Jeremy Backhouse (having
temporarily left the meeting) was proposed by John Trigg for recommendation
to the Borough Council for re-appointment. Margaret Parry seconded and the
meeting carried the motion by acclaim (nem.con).
9.
ACCOMPANIST: Jeremy Backhouse's recommendation of Jeremy Filsell for
re-appointment was proposed by Roger Penny, seconded by Susan Ranft and
carried unanimously.
10.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER OF ACCOUNTS: Bob Cowell said that as he had now taken
over the Treasurership of the Guildford Philharmonic Society again, he was
not available for appointment. It was agreed that it should be left to the
Committee to make an appointment on behalf of the Choir.
11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Stephen Jepson gave a brief summary of the present position of the
Association of Surrey Choirs staging project.
John Trigg reported that, although he had written to Tod Handley regarding
the office of President of the Choir, he had had no reply.
He therefore
asked members for their thoughts, including suggestions for an alternative
president.
Among those suggested were Sir David Willcocks and Jonathan
Willcocks.
12.
ELECTION OF PART REPRESENTATIVES: There being only one volunteer from each
section, the following were declared elected.
Soprano
(1): Margaret Parry
(2): Dawn Smith
Alto
(1): Amanda Clayton
(2): Prue Smith
Tenor
: Andrew Reid
Bass
(1): Michael Dawe
(2): Norman Carpenter
The Meeting closed at 9.20pm.
[e: \choirlam960603.doc p3 ~ 3]
IR
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i
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‘
GUILDFORD
PHILHARMONIC
Registered
DRAFT
AMENDMENTS
The committee
rehearsal
present
on
TO
CONSTITUTION
proposes to
11th
May
to
Choir Constitution
require a two
Charity
(3rd
convene
1998
a
JUNE
No.
COMMITTEE
1026337
1996)
Special General
consider
for the
CHOIR
Meeting
during
the
following
amendment
reasons
indicated.
Approval
to
the
the
will
thirds majority of members present at that meeting.
If any members have any questions about the proposed amendments,
please have a word with either the Chairman or the Hon Treasurer.
CLAUSE
5a.
After
be
"...
REASON.
This
an
At
resp
present
all
ie
eight
these members
This will
Secretary"
insert
"who
shall
Choir".
committee
members
are
Trustees.
limit Trustee responsibilities to the
ipility £or the
affairs.
CLAUSE
Honorary Membership
of the
awandment would
officers,
of the
committee who
have
day to day management of the
four
direct
Choir's
simplify administration.
9.
Delete
"six weeks"
REASON.
of
and
the Trustses
the
audit
end
At
present
Accounts
and print
of
the
requires
held
the
have
14
Hon.
only
Treasurer
four
days
time
year
notice
to
rather
on
of
do
the AGM this
in July
"thirteen weeks".
weeks
for distribution the
financial
insufficient
approved,
insert
30th
and
in
which
Audited
April
the AGM.
as
than
in
in June
If
Examiner
finalise,
after
Constitution
proved to be
the proposal
subsequent years
as previously.
will
M/u/{JL‘%
Michael
Hon.
20th
to
Accounts
the
This has
the job properly.
year and
Independent
Dawe
Secretary
April
1998
is
be
the
also
6PC
3
Annual
June
General
gl
Cap
Meeting
1998
CONSTITUTION
Introduction
During the course of
1.
the year the Committse has become aware of a
number of relatively minor problems with the Constitution as at
present drafted.
these
problems
It
consideration at
Commission.
the
fesls that
now by
The Commission has
reported to
the
and any
it
would be appropriate to address
foruard
this AGM and,
draft proposals
Composition of
putting
if
some amendments
for
then approved, by the Charity
meanwhile
bsen
comments received
invited
to comment
before
the AGM will
on
be
meeting.
Committee
- Clause
§
As drafted this Clause imposes on the Choir a number of restrictions
which unnecessarily inhibit its freedom of action. It alsc contains
ambiguities and omissions. As examples of these problems, Clause §
2
currently
prevents
any
reslection after the
Committee
initial
member
term.
from
ever
the
tuo
Again
standing
longest
for
serving
membars, 1f they have served at least 3 full years are required, to
stand doun and could not then or subsequently be slected to one of
the
four offices.
There
is no provision
for
resolving disputes
betueen members uhere three or more are in this position. The
retirement provisions are moreover related to Choir season and not
Choir year which is different. Again there 1s no provision to deal
with the situation if an officer has to resign during the course of
the year.The Committee
feels
that
these problems can
addressed by amending Clause § in the manner as set
best
out
be
in the
Appendix.
A distinction is drawn between the four officer holders and the four
additional
members.
of 5 years
in
that
A Chairman would be
office
in addition
sble
to
to
any
serve
for a
maximum
immediate prior
service
on the committee in some other capacity. That is not to say that
he/she would want to do so but the Choir would have the flexibility
to reelect
and
a Chairman on a maximum of
the office
holder was
be so restricted as
for these posts and
wanted by
either
some turnover
so willing.
4 occasions
if
The other 3
offices
it
so wished
would not
it is often difficult to find willing volunteers
it unfortunate to force a change where it is not
Choir or office
holder.
in Committes membership,
To ensure
the
that
longest
there
is
serving of the 4
additional members would retire each year if he/she had served 3
full years. It is stressed that all members of the Committee,
whether office
subject
Audit
4
to
holder or addiiicnal member would continue
reelection by
the Choir each
to be
year.
arrangements
The Charity
Commission
regulations
that
year it
will
has pointed
apply
will be necessary
registered Auditor unless
to
the
out
that
Choir's
for
the Choir
it
opts for what
under
the
accounts
to appoint
new
for the coming
(and pay for) a
is known as “independent
examination”. If it so opts, the Choir can continue with its present
arrangement but must first amend its Constitution accordingly. The
Committee
for
feels
the Choir
to
that
this would be the appropriate course of action
take.
Recommendations
S.
The Committee RECOMMEND that
set out in the Appendix.
require
AGM
if
the support
it
subsequent
24
April
1936
is
the Choir amend Clauses 5 and 10 as
Under Clause |2 this recommendation will
of tuo thirds of those members present
to be
effective.
The
changes
Charity
Commission
approval.
will
also
require
at
the
GPC Annual
3
June
General
Meeting
APPENDIX
1836
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
1.
Clause
5.
Amend Clause
to
s.
COMMITTEE.
a.
The
read as
managsment
consisting of
of
follows:
the Choir
AN HONORARY Treasurer
four
out
additional
of
shall
OFFICE FOR
PROVIDED
&
be
in
the
Chairman,
hands of
of
The
Committee
the Choir at
shall
Committee
Secrstary,
be electad by
the Annual General
be elected TO A SPECIFIC OFFICE,
ONE
&
AN HONORARY Secretary,
and AN HONORARY Membership
members.
the members
Officers
shall
four officers,
and
and
Meeting.
SHALL HOLD THAT
YEAR AND SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR RE-ELECTION
THAT A MEMBER SHALL NOT HOLD THE OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN
MORE THAN FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
UACANCY OCCURING
SHALL APPOINT
IN THE EVENT OF A
FOR
CASUAL
IN ANY OFFICE OURING THE YEAR THE COMMITTEE
ONE OF THEIR NUMBER TO ACT
IN THAT CAPACITY UNTIL
THE NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
ADDITIONAL
eligible
has
members
for
served
eligible
for
the
hold office
longest
for re- election
FOLLOWING YEAR
Should
shall
for
re-siection PROVIDED THAT
IF
rule,
agreement
amongst
yesr
and
period
shall
not
be
member
who
be
AS AN ADDITIONAL MEMBER FOR THE
THAT PERIOD
there be more
under this
continous
one
the ADDITIONAL
IS AT
LEAST
than one member
the retiring member
THREE complete YEARS.
INELIGIBLE FOR RE-ELECTION
shall be decided by
those concerned OR IN DEFAULT OF AGREEMENT AS
THE OUTGOING CHAIRMAN
IN HIS/HER ABSOLUTE DISCRETION SHALL
DECIDE.
The
Committee may coopt
fill
vacancies
In addition
time
elect
Membership
a Part
NOTE The
Clause
the members of
a Part
the Choir
Secretary.
A Commitiee
member
to the Committee
significant
changes
are
set
out
to read as
shall
report
shall
from
to
not
time
to
the
also
serve
in bold
type.
follows:
ACCOUNTS
accounts shall
independently
examined and presented
Meeting
at
appointed for the
APRIL
1896
which
time
be prepared by the Honorary Treasurer,
an
to
the members
Independent
forthcoming year.
to
when required
each voice part
Representative who will
The financial
24
of
the Committee
1@
General
CJDR
members
assist
Representative.
fAimend Clause
1@.
or to
at
Examiner
the Annual
shall
be
as
GPC
3
Annual
June
General
Meeting
1996
ACCOUNTS
1995796
Report
hy
AND
Hon.
BUDGET
19965/97
Treasurer.
INTRODUCTION
1.
1995/96
as
a
of
all
has
been
result
of
are
down by
profit
are
2.
In
the
members
time appeared
in
we
difficult
year,
"covenant
dehacle”
thanks
from
it
possible.
Overall
our
ressrves
representing
previous
fairly
year
the
accounts
Committee
for
the
as
the
nf
healthy and
on
and
but
emerged
£SEQ.
T
rather
loss
adsnuate
succeeding paragraphs
issues
administratively
have
£2200
the
still
the
a
only
on
12
guestions
at
the
Membership
and
therefore
suhscription
cooperation
at
the
the
than
end
year
at
of
one
the
for
immediate needs
our
E£15300
attention
T
to
cur
a
a
reserves
few
the budget
will
year
compared with
at
months.
any
the
However
draw
answer
financially,
better
audyted and outline
forthcoming
to
and
key
approved
deal
with
down
slightly.
by
details
meeting
INCOME
B
However
»
a
*
the key
net
tax
liability
expectation
of
the
the
less
year's
on
loss
a
of
of
tax
summer
last
£1623
as
£885.
The
should
unlikely
that
it
will
rehearsal
and
costs
in
the
the
same
basis
net
the
reduction
aluays
in
arrangements
with
the miscellaneous
bringing
4.
Covenants
into
are
a
the
valuable
of
shown
The
year's
also
compared
under
even
net
a
to
position
payment
last
income
although
future
of
as
1t
is
reflects
£2000
to
the
years
and
the
for
the
the
the
stach
choir
income,
of
145 current
I
am
others
still
consider
who
doing
should
on
in hank
so
of
funds.
the
nf
chair folders.
currently FI7 pa
members have covenanted
awaiting
being
have
interast
hetier
principally,
current
(unless
that
profit
management
respect
hoped
the
increase
this
is
which reflacts
£450.
not
in
will
100 Club
members
choir
subscriptions
on
Some
the
it
is
break
as
which reflects,
source
although
covenants.
in
banks
account
subscriptions
but
last
rates) which reflects
heading
their
is)
and
charges
109 of
to assist
3
so.
around
lownr
‘for each covenant.
replacement
f
position
he
hank
(despite generally
*
to
Council.
reduction
the new collection system;
»
of
least
do
is
are:
compared
concert
at
ever
concert
income
year
£2072.
concert
it
the
fron
refund of
theoretically
Borough
»
differences
or
tuo
payers
thay have
not
hefore
one
tax
a
are
unable
partner
yet
covenanted
nax<t
September.
who
their
v
EXPENDITURE
5.
Fees
and Hire
more
than
charges
would
be
are up a
expected.
littls on
There
are
the
only
previous
two
year but
items
by
no
requiring
comment
:
*
the
increase
in
part
a
in
organising
of
the
in
administrative
reflection
the
covenants
staging project.
Hon
Treasurer,
of
the
Freiberg
and
It
in
expenditure
additional
visit,
in
work
also
a
result
betueen
them
largely
of
£20
involved
handling
the negotiations
s
from
the
responsible
£320
this
is
year
replacement
in relation
the Hon
to
to
tha
Secretary
for
this
Sy
extra
R
work, both operating from home, who have charged fully their
telephone, FAX and copying cosis.
*
the
sum
of
of grants
£234
from
which
represents
the Mayer
the
net
cost
afier
and Twuinning Association of
entertaining our Freibero quests.
}{ALg
and
deduction
P
(ribonge
;=
Fond -
.
c“.i::fl‘
S
RESERVES
6.
In
addition
principally
are held
where
to
Stocks
our
cash
in a
they
B0 Day Notice
et
a
available when
the choir
staging
of
o
required.
concert
(as
to
the
as
at
At
the
same
at
the
rate
assets
The
but
time
the
For
are
are
of
liahility
costs)
of
to
reserves
Bank
sufficient
£2000
the
the
Savings
alsa readily
the
te
towards
Borough
forthenming
leaving
sufficient
Summer
Concert.
1997
comprise
bull
Trustee
commitment
potential
for
our
banl.
FI5300 Reserves
rehearsal
proceed
ahove,
the
interest
prospective
and
well
whilst
planning
a
to
at
account
reasonable
mest
project
£2000
referred
balances
in
enabls
the
Council
Summe
hand
te
allow
that
end
BUDGET
7.
The
Committee
vear
reserves
£10000.
They
should
have
tf
prudent
never
b
approved
a
ta
proceed
allowed
hudaet
to
for
INCOME
naxi
this
below
basis
SURS
150
GRANT
2500
PUBLICITY
350
CLUB
RAISE
EXPEND
FEES/HIRE
as
480
STAGING
2000
OTHER
1000
TOTAL
12800
100
CHORAL
-5000
OTHER
750
TOTAL
9680
was
increasing
AT
START
15300
RESERVES
AT
END
12180
prepared
substantially.
as
anticipated at
time
would
only
be
themselves
in
will
be
always
reasonable
too
to
easy
year,
the
there
additional
for
and
a
should ba
and
ticket
end
are
is
hetter
degree
no
tn
to
in a
of
on
the
£50@
only
assuming
sale
to
ha
budgeted.
300
and
find
The
future
caution
that
in
an
commission
average
£10
alons.
We
of
level
of
to
the
would
for
be
a
made
to
covenants,
MNew
be outlined
at
improving
if
each
tickeb
ought
it
the efforts
number
total
a
therefore
whilst
instance
in
ago.
is
present
the
For
was
the budget.
years
capable
tickets
than
than
complacent
its
ease
better
ba
reduction
i
and
not
few
feel
at
membership
fund raising are proposed and will
bought
then
Choir
subscription
funds
at
position
tharefore
However, we ouaht
concerts,
and costs
the
the meeting.
them
eg
levels
they were
for
significantly
basis;
reserves
arrangements
between
change
present
Committee approved
Committes
hold
no
at
start
the
uncertain
The
a
The
the
the position
policy.
further
on
remaining
the
3120
RESERVES
originally approved
000
500
SOCIAL
budget
from
on
7550
subscription rates
raise
year
1800
PROFIT/LOSS
right
basis
TAX
100
It
the
significantly
5UBS
FUND
This
on
drop
below:
out
set
consider
our
150
members
year
for
our
we would
be
able
to
thanks
to
get
£600
do
much
than that.
better
CONCLUSION
9.
In
conclusion
T
would
members
for
their
light
my
continual
of
assistance over
his
tolerance
just
lile
forebearans
te reiterate
during
hastlina:
and
the
also
the
same
period
on
during
the
audit
itself
my
last
to
computer
whilst
Bob
12
moanths
Gowall
matlers
T
was
for
and
on
all
in
Choir
the
all
his
finally
holiday
for
in
Greece.
Christopher
Hon
Robinson
Treasurer
Z8
May
1996.
P
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1995/6
INCOME
1995/6
ITEM
Subscriptions:
Grant
100 Club:
Fund Raising:
7440 00
Received
Tax refund
44011
Fees
1188.00
Tickets
Music
Goods
44530
12000
51.30
Choral Events:
Bank Interest
3400 00|
212744
3460.00
453,00/
54.00
-370.45
99.05
0.00
763.15
17905
6867,
11038
Summer
Christmas
Workshop.
19.46
-4703.70
Summer
207.15
43515
78.00
384.07
5381
33026
0.00
-885.20
248,50
10000
Chichester
Carols
769.00
630.00
367 40
81.20
Tapes
10007 44
1399.00
6535
Drinks
Sales
Social Events:
788000
788011
73500
Prizes
1994/5
-433574
000
88520
000
622 62
37083
Misc
489.12
0.00
Total
9340.93]
14487.48
EXPENDITURE
1995/6
ITEM
1994/5
Fees
5835.00)
5468.25
Publicity
270.00]
270.00
Hire Charges
2326.00|
GPS Subscription
438.50]
Bank Charges.
39.00
304.73
Administration
0.00
36.15
Transport
Presents
2581.00
420,00
2000
53.42
7.00
39.12
Freiburg
Returned Tax
23485
2072.42
0.00
Total
11556.65|
8858.79
Excess of Income over Expenditure
2215.72
5628.69
0.00
BALANCE SHEET at 30th APRIL 1996
FINANCED BY:
ASSETS
Ts8B
1570148
Current Account
2429.22
Debtors
881.00
Premium Account
Stock
Subtotal
Reserves at Start
17537.60
Reserves at End
15321.88
Loss on Year
170892
36378
221572
21084.40
Less
Creditors
UIABILITIES
5762.52
Total
15321.88
Robinson
Hon. Treasurer
15321.88
R.J.Cowell
Hon Auditor
29th May 1996
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Registered as a Charity No.
1026337
President: Vernon Handley
Chorus Master: Jeremy Backhouse
Accompanist: Jeremy Filsell
Chairman: JohnTrigg, 13 Vicarage Gtey Onstows Uillage gwy{m/ Gl
5Q,
01483 566341
Sterotary: Slophen ipson, Clorsholl, Follay Glode, A Wary, .Z),, ing, Sureey, RM5 61G. Tet: 01306 730383
Treasurer: Christophar Kobinson, The ConchHpuse, Sicton k;aat/ 2iy, v 97/7 1EX Tk 01483 428400
Wlembership Sec: 7 Ayon, 51 Garrich Close, Hersham, Wallon Tmes, S‘{,,,,,/ K12 5NZ. Tk 01932 221918
Secretary’s Report for the 1995-96 Year
Committee Meetings
The Committee met six times on the dates shown. The Venue is also shown.
Attendance was 100% except as noted. Jeremy Backhouse was able to attend the
first two meetings only.
03-Jul-95
Methodist Hall Committee Room.
(Apol: Susan Ranft)
15-Sep-95
13 Vicarage Gate, Onslow Village.
(Apol: Penny Baxter)
18-Oct-95
13 Upper Edgeborough Road, Guildford. (Apol: Christine Medlow
17-Jan-96
Clereholt, Holmbury St Mary.
06-Mar-96
Harestock House, Westcott.
17-Apr-96
Clereholt, Holmbury St Mary.
& Margaret Parry)
There was also a Working
January 9th 1996 at 13
(Apol: Christine Medlow)
(Apol: Penny Baxter
& Roger Penny)
Party for the Freiburg Visit, which met once on
Vicarage Gate.
Major items covered during the year included:
Special Arrangements for the Shalford Park Concert (1995).
Special Arrangements for the Chichester Carol Concert.
The Choral Workshop.
Improving Publicity & Ticket Sales. New Members' leaflet.
The future of GPC in the light of the GPO/SEMT discussion document.
Constitutional amendments and Charitable Status for Tax purposes.
NFMS Membership.
Social Programme. Summer BBQ, Christmas Party, Freiburg Reception & Dinner.
The Freiburg Visit & Concert.
The proposed Association of Surrey Choirs and new tiered Staging (primarily
for the Cathedral).
Fund Raising.
Choir "Uniform" (dress at concerts).
The future and réle of the President of the Choir.
S H R Jepson - May 31st 1996
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3" Jine 1996
CHURLS DIRECTOR'S REPORT
When 1 stood up in front of you & last year’s AGM, 1 hisd anly boen with vou for about
months. Then, [ reviewed a year of unsetilcd change, but waz able 1o ook ahesd
three or four
with apHimism 168 year of
‘excinng musie-rnaking. Aad I think that the year
has proved o br hughly successful for
‘terms of your performances and the building of@ stromper smes a1 1ty
the choir both in
So at thes stage lagt year, we had nof experienced aur Suaiflrd Park wenng Although the
organisational
rou
1o thete
formar of this concen was sumewhat wrmuoys ( us, our setsal sangting
o the Tight was lughly
appreciated by the uditnee
As you prabably mow,
unaccompanied - & is a very good discipline 1
1 am kesy 1o et e chair used to singimg
i
wue
o Tty
anoth
- ahd
er1 will comtinte to take pppiimEs 10 S0
inits a cappella mode On the ocguzion of (o=t s
control of ensemble and rang
of dymmiies
e
el
quiet ending of the Goreckn almost e divwactt st v
unaccampanied seotion at e boginning
T
the work was communicated with pical
thar istener bad wor Jeand e i o
S
4nd lstening hard o ome
d0d L NEssES cmens o show o i shair
soatnt. | e parthalisly plossed with the
vis sspeciallt impressive | ramember the very
(e rain imnd
e of spening
b
(et
Spm—
. Oy momment
vl
1]
uadivonal Rotry Chib concart i the Cuus i
&,
)
abl
to repeat
e much of the misic wi Chiclies
test of the choir we had reduced numbers conspiicis
Th
was
no
profoundl
w
y appreciazed by 1l
The New Year brought the Chors! Weekslig,
¥ hjuy sl onescl? The
A
unacoompanied sunginig of the chon wd pleaseg
)2
cocentrie Twelve Diys of Ghrismmas. The i
and Stephen thoasand
of miles
s sway 11 1
=
t
! Frcat
raftecsally il with the
we
b
By
U
Bvbinfgle Siizrit Nugid ang the
o worka I was goodd 1 be
PR
g
latcr
f
Tt evonmg svan quis:
wenld
4
il
dhursogrniiy grdes
wels
g
ihd mvenmg bl o
il pubdie nig
B
cow Tncky 1o uve il
to guide us through Parry'« Sungs of Frewil? sud i s tecky
8succoss, I think tha there sre demests fhat woubd teed 1o b
me i wan gosd 10 5
relationship that exists hurven the twe Lroups Ul smgen, A
say only that they livedd up th thenr logendary sue |tk fle
the performance of the Dvatke Sne Midtr s e & i
2
18
skl
;
Loas
e tesmed
=4d jodte the ab
ars Mithisel s watmeup g
ll hiacl n finppy w
e oulmmanos.
wm very much in Savour of nalntainiine and (e commres s
aphee ast
Dayid
)
i
The timewable weould nevd (© seosmmetite mute fume for vl i e
work for privat parformuanc:
Then came e visit of the Fraibur dhoir Far
1
The lnk (@ -
1
"
ek 1
T il s PTG st mind To when would he
the best fime f make cur next visit ©o Frathurg, An atfler bl e cxtiended to
s o muke the jourmoy
we
Spring of tiext’ yer e combine for & monvers of PANSLARS U1 NS, Wieccom
pinned or wath ouly puano
accompaniment, This Tdo ot el 1 quits the thing 1o trvel oul there for so it les been sugpested that we
wattuntd the following vear when they can dccamamodate us i theit ordhestral programme
This concert was fallowed clusely by Edward Wiarien's voneen of Stasfond Detightful pisces, verv well
sung. Again, as with Jonathar Willaoehs
1t was guod to wark with a conducton who was so posiave about
e contribution of the chair, | think this amply made up for laving to drop the Warson cantata, from both
concert
and recording, & decision that Edward wad ook joamtly tuving had tme to study the score in close
el
Most recently cams the Verdi Reguien with
Cnuny
suffering with the flu! Awain
on ithe mght veas recaived very
slastcally by the
uder the e weoswenble Tewe of 1he kass salaist! But
the perfon
audience. { bad a poor seat for Hhust congers, nght
comments afterwards were exiromely favoursble
Dlewllyn, who
no
less e Hugh Bear wod hie had vt beard the cholr
g
so well
Which brings us up 10
was un fing fam eonsidenng be was
s
Befare | look shead bretly 1w
noq
s
I
i
Ik
VARE
dboa
twe
ol aspeas of the
cligir
Firstly something thar 1 youched oo breily
chowr, To many of you thes
b
conm
cuilie
0F
ourse
by
A4
1
ofbier feson
¢
then,
]
wehii
will appear
on the next schedule anad will
i
e
sy
[
2
v
'
TR
i
]
'
prved far thiir
wlie
i
By 1
=
st
¥
think it On the year's rehearsal soholi
Wil
st
3
i
)
Py
|
particulir necds
!
nuens
Tswngh oo
nup
up when they
n
v
0 me. otherwise Noreen will he kuyping
rehearsals are not optianad « that | ranec)
5
a piano rehearsal. please speak to me ol
point of vicw
E
| can only make the choer oy
full attendance af rehearsale and
of the success of your chowr
v
conee
I
don'y jeopiihie
|
Secondly, the dreaddsg audivions
T jus
»
t
&
I
100 pamnmli Inere are =l £ 1w mops ¢
i
throw anyouse out, sumpls 1oand the nvain
et
2
would like to thank Prue for ber lu'(f-‘llw
arm
st Of wuth
sort
Al
Vet
dlement that|
and we will g 1t we can arg
win
dunine
hi
4y
fiaug
thes:
i
x
adiin
1
weern] e
b
i
m
b
e
hjen|
andion
So; very Lricily. & ieat joa
November 9 in the Civic Hall. 1 shall e
Howells under the ttle of Visiuay or i
together from hus opers Fhe Ligjoswe
)
of thy
Cormenies
fighting for, but loang, the nght 1w their
bl
[
of optimistic hope for their paradi
il
e lige
moving.
Ihen comes the Satun Adater by Sag
1sn't.
1t 13 very singfable aud lias exquisite
:
Wil Fsy v.\,..“m. o the
W
-
il
dependent
on repenaiee o sondichin
On ths porat 1 am quite fime
{
|
i
sing all the comeerts an e sched
many
as they possibly c4n = 460
gy
g
expectation of a member of this Wy
famuly commpments of
i
mo
will be the Hymnus Faradist by Heehert 1w
8
‘[l
stispy
'
100
;
I sz
bt
ot
iz second halt
Sevear-aitd son bl
-
di;lfmmtpimlmMfls,PmdebhyflmSirDdeflmh,anm&w:HM
Howells Society, has agreed to give a pre-concert talk and coms 10 the cancert. So do try 1o get peaple along
on €D I'm
to it - it'll be wonderful! We are also hoping that this will be recorded for future release
working on that!
<
I;
Then, on 8 March in the cathedral, we will sing Rachmaninov's great wirk The Bells. 2 fine piece - to be
sung i Russian, wath En Shao conducting.
Eight weeks later, on 3" May will b a cuthedral concert of - probably - the Brahms Sohiaksalslied (Song
of
Destiny) and the Schubert Mass in A flar, agam wth En Shao
That leaves a possible gap at the end of March or early April, which
we may v 1o fill and (he summer
concert, about which we know nothing at present! Incidentaily, there are some other very interesting
orchestral concerts that vou really ought not miss
So - | think I've said enough. My thanks 1o the committes for their suppornt and hard work batund the
scenes. Thanks also
to Jeremy tor his continuing manisne suppart Thanks 10 vou all as well for your hard
work. I thmk ft's been a good, sucecssful year for the choir i publte. w rme of our perfunmances and
image, and, no lese importantly, i privats, in terms of the mpport that 1 feol bas developed berwean us both
socially and musically. So go out and fell evervons how good e (re ang what fun we have (Zer them 1o jom
the choir, or come to all our concerts, Be proud of your cholr and celebidis i W e
Thank you.
7
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3rd June 1996
CHORUS DIRECTOR’S REPORT
When I stood up in front of you at last year’s AGM, I had only been with you for about three or
four months. Then, I reviewed a year of unsettled change, but was able to look ahead with
optimism to a year of exciting music-making. And I think that the year has proved to be highly
successful for the choir both in terms of your performances and the building of a stronger sense
of identity.
So, at this stage last year, we had not experienced our Shalford Park evening. Although the
organisational route to the format of this concert was somewhat tortuous for us, our actual
singing on the night was highly appreciated by the audience. As you probably know, I am keen to
get the choir used to singing unaccompanied – it is a very good discipline in many ways, not
least tuning and listening hard to one another – and I will continue to take opportunities in
summer and Christmas concerts to show off the choir in it’s a cappella mode. On the occasion
of last summer’s concert, I was particularly pleased with the control of ensemble and range of
dynamics: the soft singing was especially impressive. I remember the very quiet ending of the
Gorecki almost being drowned out by the rain and noise of opening umbrellas!
After the summer break came the Parry, and Jonathan Wilcocks’ Great is the Glory. Of course,
the Parry is rousing stuff and received a suitably rousing performance. The Willcocks piece
posed a much greater challenge with its mix of dissonant tonality and rhythmic complexity. But
we worked very hard and I think really enjoyed working with Jonathan in rehearsal, his
enthusiasm for his work becoming infectious although I have to say I was rather worried for the
state of the podium after the hammering it took from his enthusiastic right boot! The actual
performance was “terrific”, to use Jonathan’s own words. The unaccompanied section at the
beginning of the work came off brilliantly and the beauty and excitement of the work was
communicated with great panache. One comment passed on to me after this concert was that
the listener had not heard the choir sing as well.
We were then into Christmas, my first with the choir and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
The traditional Rotary Club concert in the Civic Hall was great fun. Again, I was especially
pleased with the unaccompanied singing of the choir and pleased with the way we learned the
Swingle Silent Night and the eccentric Twelve Days of Christmas. The audience seemed to love
both of those works. It was good to be able to repeat much of the music at Chichester Cathedral
a couple of days later. That evening was quite a test of the choir: we had reduced numbers,
complicated seating arrangements and choreography to deal with and Stephen thousands of
miles away in the States. But I thought the evening had a magical atmosphere and I know was
profoundly appreciated by the National Trust people and public alike.
The New Year brought the choral Workshop. We were very lucky to have Ralph Allwood and
David Lowe to guide us through Parry’s Songs of Farewell and give us technical help. Although
the day could be termed a success, I think that there are elements that would need to be altered
if we were to do another next year. The timetable would need to accommodate more time for
vocal and technical work, less on note-bashing a work for private performance.
Then came the visit of the Freiburg choir. For me it was good to see and join the obviously close
relationship that exists between the two groups of singers. About Hans Michael’s warm-up
exercises, I will say only that they lived up their legendary status. I think they and we all had a
happy weekend of it and the performance of the Dvorak Stabat Mater made for a stirring
culmination. The link is certainly one that I am very much in favour of maintaining and the
committee and I will be putting our minds to when would be the best time to make our next visit
to Freiburg. An offer had been extended to us to make the journey in the Spring of next year to
combine for a concert of part-songs or motets, unaccompanied or with only piano
accompaniment. This I do not feel is quite the thing to travel out there for, so it has been
suggested that we wait until the following year when they can accommodate us in their
orchestra programme.
This concert was followed closely by Edward Warren’s concert of Stanford. Delightful pieces,
very well sung. Again, as the Jonathan Willcocks, it was good to work with a conductor who was
so positive about the contribution of the choir. I think this amply made up for having to drop the
Watson cantata, from both concert and recording, a decision that Edward and I took jointly
having had time to study the score in close detail.
Most recently came the Verdi Requiem with Grant Llewellyn, who was on fine form considering
he was suffering with the flu! Again, the performance on the night was received very
enthusiastically by the audience. I had a poor seat for that concert, right under the not
inconsiderable figure of the bass soloist! But comments afterwards were extremely favourable,
no less that Hugh Bean said he had not heard the choir sing so well.
Which brings us up to date.
Before I look ahead briefly to next season, I want to say just a few words about two other
aspects of the choir.
Firstly, something that I touched on briefly last year and that is each singer’s individual
responsibility to the choir. To many of you these comments will not apply, but I think it is worth
saying nonetheless. My expectation of a member of this choir is that they use their membership
responsibly. By this I mean that they sing all the concerts on the schedule, or as many as they
possibly can – certainly not pick and choose dependent on repertoire or conductor; I mean also
that they attend all the rehearsals for each concert, or as many as they possibly can – not come
and go as they personally feel is required for their particular needs. On this point I am quite firm.
Of course, there are weeks when rehearsals have to be missed through work, family
commitments or other reasons, but what I do not want is a culture where singers turn up when
they think fit. On the year’s rehearsal schedule, there is a minimum number at which
attendance is required. That will appear on the next schedule and will apply. If you think you are
to fall below that number, please speak to me, otherwise Noreen will be keeping an eye on how
things progress. As we have recently said, extra rehearsals are not optional – that I reiterate. And
final piano rehearsals are compulsory. If you have to miss a piano rehearsal, please speak to me
about it. I do not want to make all this sound oppressive, but from my point of view, I can only
make the choir achieve the really good results of which you a capable if I have as full attendance
at rehearsals and concerts as possible. So please redouble your attendance efforts, be proud of
the success of your choir, don’t jeopardise its reputation by staying away from any concert.
Secondly, the dreaded auditions. I just want to thank you all for coming to sing to me and hope it
was not too painful! There are still a few more to get through, but we are almost there. My
intention was not to throw anyone out, simply to see, hear and meet you all individually. They
have been extremely useful for me and the main element that has arisen from them is the worry
about sight-reading. I take that point on board and we will see if we can organise some sort of
work on sight-reading during the coming season. Also, I would like to thank Prue for her unfailing
support during these auditions.
So, very briefly, to next year.
November 9th in the Civic Hall, I shall be conducting a programme of works by Poulenc,
Szymanowski and Howells under the tile of Visions of paradise. The Poulenc is a suite of choral
moments that I have put together from his opera, The Dialogue of the Carmelites. The story tells
of nuns in French Revolution Paris, fighting for, but losing, the right to their beliefs. The final
scene sees them going to the guillotine in a state of optimistic hope of their paradise beyond
this life. It sounds gruesome, but it’s immensely powerful and moving. Then comes the Stabat
Mater by Szymanowski, which may sound modern and hard work, but it isn’t. It is very singable
and has exquisite moments – actually a very good audience piece. The second half will be the
Hymnus Paradisi by Herbert Howells, a marvellous piece written after his 9-year-old son had
died from spinal meningitis. I’m delighted to say that Sir David Willcocks, as President of the
Herbert Howells Society, as agreed to give a pre-concert talk and come to the concert. So do try
to get people along to it – it’ll be wonderful! We are also hoping that this will be recorded for
future release on CD. I’m working on that!
Carols in the Civic Hall will be on Sunday 15th December – usual format.
Then, on 8th march in the cathedral, we will sing Rachmaninov’s great work, The Bells; a fine
piece – to be sung in Russian, with En Shao conducting.
Eight weeks later, on 3rd May will be a cathedral concert of- probably – the Brahms
Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and the Schubert Mass in A flat, again with En Shao.
That leaves a possible gap at the end of March or early April, which we may try to fill, and the
summer concert, about which we know nothing at present! Incidentally, there are some other
very interesting orchestral concerts that you really out not miss.
So – I think I’ve said enough. My thanks to the committee for their support and hard work behind
the scenes. Thanks also to Jeremy for his continuing pianistic support. Thanks to you all as well
for your hard work. I think it’s been a good, successful year fo the choir in public, in terms of our
performances and image, and, no less importantly, in private, in terms of the rapport that I feel
has developed between us both socially and musically. So go out and tell everyone how good
we are and what fun we have. Get them to join the choir, or come to all our concerts. Be proud of
your choir and celebrate it to others!
Thank you.