THE enduring sound of classical music will ring out across Richmond this weekend, thanks to a North Yorkshire brewery.

Organisers of the Richmondshire Subscription Concerts have invited Masham's Black Sheep Brewery to sponsor part of the town's 55th classical music season.

The brewery will host the Black Sheep Classical Concert - a performance by the Kungsbacka Piano Trio, visiting Richmond from Sweden on Saturday to play in the Zetland Christian Centre, at 7.30pm.

Organiser Doug Waugh said the musical connection with real ale was an interesting one.

"For some reason, quality beer is traditionally linked with folk music, yet there is no reason why it shouldn't be enjoyed at the same sitting as a classical performance," he said.

"We are delighted to have the support of the Black Sheep Brewery and are looking forward to introducing the trio to Richmond. They are exceptional musicians and it should make for a delightful evening's entertainment."

Brewery managing director Paul Theakston selected the Kungsbacka Trio because they are from Sweden.

"Surprisingly, we sell a lot of our speciality beers in Sweden, so the musicians may already be familiar with our ales.

"If not, they will be very welcome to sample some," he said.

The three talented musicians will perform Haydn, Schumann and Mendelssohn, a varied repertoire that has won them international acclaim as one of the most sought-after ensembles across the globe.

The visit to Richmond is part of their international tour, slotted between concerts at Salzburg's Mozartum and the Salon di Virtuosi, in New York.

Tickets for Saturday's concert cost £7.50 and are available at Richmond Tourist Information Centre on (01748) 850252. The King's Head Hotel is offering special overnight rates to ticket holders.