writes Declan Carey. London Youth Choirs (LYC) West conductor Olivia Shotton led the online taster session for around 30 kids which involved singing exercises and learning about musical notes. Covid-19 has hit music lessons in schools hard with a
December report by the Incorporated Society of Musicians revealing 68% of primary school teachers said music provision was being reduced and 72% of primary schools no longer organise extra-curricular activities. Co-founder and artistic director of LYC Rachel Staunton, 36, said: “Singing is a natural and joyful form of expression for children. Just listen outside any playground pre-Covid and you will hear non-stop rhymes, singing games and vocal chants interwoven into play.
Theatres warn of ‘devastating’ Brexit impact as pressure grows over touring visas
West End hits such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are a major British export (Getty Images)
UK theatres have called for urgent clarification over post-Brexit touring provisions, warning that a failure to resolve visa rules would have “devastating consequences” for the sector.
In a letter to ministers today the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for theatre warned that a current lack of clarity over touring rules posed a major threat to the country’s thriving performing arts sector.
In addition to visa rules, the letter said new rules on transporting items such as sets, props and musical instruments on the continent would create additional costs and delays.
Many of Britain’s biggest music icons have accused the government of failing them amid an ongoing row over visa-free travel between the UK and the European Union. Britain and Brussels have been in a heated dispute over visa-free travel with each blaming the other over failings to agree a deal.
The UK government initially said that Brussels had rejected proposals, only for EU officials to rebuff the claims, arguing that Britain refused a deal in order to uphold its stance on freedom of movement.
The NME recently reported that UK ministers have now completely ruled out fighting for visa-free travel for musicians because ‘taking back control of Britain’s borders is the main priority.’ The decision has sparked fury across the music industry.