Concerts celebrate trading history

In 1812 George Armitstead, the vicar of Easingwold’s son, left for Riga as a flax merchant, and his son became one of the small group of British traders who founded, in 1857, St Saviour’s church, the only Anglican church in the Baltics.

From June 1-5, as part of the Latvian Festival in York, this historic link will showcase the talents of two young Latvian musicians – Evita Zalite, a soprano soloist and Kristine Adamaite, one of Latvia’s most talented young pianists.

These two will be helping fundraise for the day centre for the elderly in Riga, founded 15 years ago, and which is run from St Saviour’s church.

There will be an “historic link” concert, featuring the two muscicians, at St John the Baptist and All Saints church in Easingwold.

The concerts will be at St Columba’s URC Church on Priory Street in York on June 1, on June 3 at Easingwold Church, on June 4 at the Tithe Barn in Poppleton and on June 5 at All Saints’ Church in Poppleton.

All the concerts start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and will be available on the door.