MAVERICK barefoot musician, composer and world class guitar virtuoso Richard Durrant is set for another magical, wintry Christmas tour with guest singer Amy Kakoura.

Durrant’s inspiration comes from Christian, pagan and folk traditions and it is this plus his own distinctive originals that have created a live show a million miles from the more commercial aspects normally associated with this time of year.

Richard said:“I have a deep love of music that evokes the middle of winter and my acoustic instruments, with the help of Amy’s voice - half Irish, half Greek- seem to go in search of the magic that surrounds both the solstice and Christmas.”

Durrant’s talent for acoustic music and Amy's incredible vocals have made these concerts a much loved part of Christmas for audiences across the UK. The 2015 tour will see another sumptuous stage set with commissioned artwork, beautiful lighting and lots of candles to set the scene.

This last year has been busy for Richard. He completed a twenty date concert tour on a bicycle carrying his entire show to each venue between Shoreham and the Isle of Skye. He has taken his Guitar Whisperer Show to France and Spain and, in the summer, recorded the title track of his new album The Girl at the Airport with the City of Prague Philharmonic. Next year his guitar travels will continue with concerts in Peru, Paraguay, France, Spain and the UK.

Richard and Amy make a welcome return with music from their new CD. Whether they are performing the oldest songs in the Oxford Book of Carols or duetting on Fairytale of New York, this is a show of surprises and midwinter charm.

The pair will be performing at Pickering Memorial Hall, on Saturday, December 12 with proceeds going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Tickets are £10 in advance and £12 on the door, and £5 for under 16s, available from Television House, Pickering or phone 01751 472847.