Launching the scheme, Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove claimed it "will deliver a music education system that encourages everyone, whatever their background, to enjoy music and help those with real talent to flourish as brilliant musicians" while culture minister Ed Vaizey said that the new resources would help "provide our fantastic creative industries with the next generation of talent".
Under the plans, the In Harmony programme - based on the Venezuelan El Sistema scheme offering intensive instrumental training to children from deprived backgrounds - will be rolled out across the country. Meanwhile, the plan promises to offer every child the opportunity to learn to play a musical for at least a term and a new music teaching module will be developed for trainee primary teachers. Support will also continue for the Music and Dance Scheme, which helps fund gifted young people to attend specialist music and dance schools.
Off The Road - George Michael has cancelled the remaining dates of his tour because of ill health, his publicist has confirmed. The 48-year-old was admitted to hospital in Vienna last week and is being treated for "severe" pneumonia. Discussions are under way about rescheduling the remaining 14 dates.
The singer's spokeswoman said in a statement: "George Michael is ill with pneumonia and any other speculation regarding his illness is unfounded and untrue. He is receiving excellent medical care, he is responding to treatment and slowly improving. To ensure his complete well-being, George Michael's doctors have advised that he cannot perform the rest of his Symphonica tour and that he instead takes a full and complete rest."
Michael kicked off his European tour in Prague in August. It was originally meant to include 47 concerts. He was due to bring the tour to the UK last Saturday, with dates continuing until 19 December.
(Look out for our full review of George Michael's Symphonica tour in the forthcoming December 2011 issue of LSi magazine.)
Vintage Theatre - Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is to celebrate 60 years on stage by touring the UK for the first time. The whodunnit, which has been in the West End since 1952, is the world's longest-running stage production. It will celebrate its 60th birthday - on 25 November 2012 - with a gala performance. "Sixty isn't the end," said Christie's grandson, Mathew Prichard. "I see no reason why it can't go in for another 60 years." The show's producers have promised "all-star casting" for the UK tour, which begins at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre on 11 September. The London show, at St Martin's Theatre, will continue during the tour.
Olympic Countdown - On the opening night of the London Olympic Games, 27 July, The Proms will feature conductor Daniel Barenboim leading the West Eastern Divan Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth, the culmination of his complete Beethoven symphony cycle. The rest of the Proms programme will be announced in April.
Let's Dance - A new musical that uses David Bowie's musical back catalogue is to premiere in London next spring. Heroes the Musical will open next year at the IndigoO2. The musical will feature a cast of more than 30 performers and a live band and proceeds will be given to performing arts charities.
Bowie has never allowed his songs - including Heroes, Let's Dance an
