A VIRTUOSIC jazz duo which has won the admiration of national critics will give a concert next week.

Birkett and Fiske will perform at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, next Wednesday, at 7.30pm.

With a love of early jazz style, Emma Fiske and James Birkett's programme is inspired by the great jazz violin and guitar partnership of Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang.

The Italian-American duo played hot violin and guitar jazz in the 1920s and 30s. Joe Venuti has been referred to as the father of jazz violin and was a leader in the development of jazz violin techniques and style, while his musical partner Eddie Lang is widely regarded as the first jazz guitar virtuoso.

Birkett and Fiske's debut at Newcastle Jazz Cafe in July was featured as one of The Guardian's Editor's Picks.

Tickets are £10 from the box office on 01833-631107 or £12 on the door.