THE MATHIESON MUSIC TRUST
The objectives of the charity are to provide education in Western and Indian classical music, dance, drama and fine arts in India, Britain and other parts of the world. The Trust raises funds to assist its sister trust, The Mathieson Music School in Kolkata, India. It provides teaching for children who are selected either because they are orphans or from the poorest of the poor.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity's unrestricted funds are in a deficit of £102,743, primarily due to accrued costs owed to a trustee. The trustees consider the charity able to continue in operational existence, relying on the trustee's assurance that outstanding fees will be donated if the charity cannot repay them. The charity's reserves are negative, and it relies on ongoing fundraising and donations to fund construction work and charitable activities.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees have reviewed the reserves policy of the charity and the level of reserves at the end of the year. The Trustees consider that although the level of reserves is in a negative position, this will not affect the ongoing commitments of the charity.” — page 3
“The Trustees consider that the Charity will be able to continue in operational existence despite liabilities exceeding assets by £102,743 in the Unrestricted Fund. The main reason for this deficit is the existence of an amount owed to the trustee, A Biswas, who is owed £111,520 at the balance sheet date for services and expense accrued over a number of years. The Charity has assurance from Mr Biswas that his outstanding fees will be donated in the event that the Charity is unable to repay this amount.” — page 11
“During the year, Mr Anup Kumar Biswas, Trustee, accrued costs from the Trust totalling £31,288 (2024: £4,813). These were in respect of the following: Mathieson Music School - India, grants: £5,759 (2024: £nil). Travel and administration costs: £11,408 (2024: £4.813). Concerts and tour costs £14,121 (2024: nil). For ease of administration and costs, donations of £97,200 (2024: £73,000) to the Mathieson Music Trust India and the Mathieson Music School are paid to Mr Anup Biswas, who transfers the funds to his bank in India and then from there to the Trust and the school.” — page 18
“Mr A K Biswas, Mrs A Biswas, Ms G Biswas and Mr S Biswas are also Trustees of the Mathieson Music Trust India and Executive Members of the Mathieson Music School in Kolkata.” — page 3
Year-over-year changes
- Going concern: no going-concern doubt (FY2024) → going-concern doubt noted (FY2025).
Trustees
- AGNES BISWAS
- ANDREW HOWARD AUSTER
- ANUP KUMAR BISWAS
- CATHERINE CHRISTINA LEACH
- Geetanjali Sarah Biswas
- Satyajit Theodore Biswas
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £143k | £147k |
| 31/03/2024 | £123k | £103k |
| 31/03/2023 | £123k | £176k |
| 31/03/2022 | £84k | £114k |
| 31/03/2021 | £202k | £167k |
Common questions
Is THE MATHIESON MUSIC TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity's unrestricted funds are in a deficit of £102,743, primarily due to accrued costs owed to a trustee. The trustees consider the charity able to continue in operational existence, relying on the trustee's assurance that outstanding fees will be donated if the charity cannot repay them. The charity's reserves are negative, and it relies on ongoing fundraising and donations to fund construction work and charitable activities. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.6m |
| THE CHARLES WOLFSON CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £900k |
| JOHN SWIRE 1989 CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £77k |
| THE ALBERT AND EUGENIE FROST MUSIC TRUST CIO | 1 | £30k |
| MUKUL MADHAV FOUNDATION UK | 1 | £30k |
| THE COLYER-FERGUSSON CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £15k |
| SCOULOUDI FOUNDATION | 1 | £15k |
| TALBOT VILLAGE TRUST | 1 | £10k |
Charities like this
- THE MUSIC IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRUST
- THE TILLETT TRUST
- DEAL MUSIC AND ARTS LIMITED
- MILAP FESTIVAL TRUST
- BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MUSIC TRUST
- THE ABSOLUTE MUSIC TRUST
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE MATHIESON MUSIC TRUST | £143k | — | 0 | below | — | noted |
| THE MUSIC IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRUST | £1.1m | — | — | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE TILLETT TRUST | £241k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| DEAL MUSIC AND ARTS LIMITED | £242k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| MILAP FESTIVAL TRUST | £527k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| BUCKINGHAMSHIRE MUSIC TRUST | £2.9m | — | — | below | — | no doubt |