The second step is to offer reserved seating in the Sunrise Theater, which arguably contains no bad seats.

With these items taken care of, the Arts Council of Moore County announces the 2006-07 Classical Concert Series will open with a performance by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Drawn from the principal players of the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Chamber Ensemble tours as a string octet, string sextet, and in other configurations including winds.

The Chamber Ensemble was created in 1967 to perform the larger chamber works -- from quintets to octets--with players who customarily work together, instead of the usual string quartet with additional guests.

Its touring commitments are extensive, with annual visits to France, Germany, and Spain, and frequent tours to North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

The series' second performance will be cellist Efe Baltacigil on Monday, Nov. 6.

Baltacigil was acclaimed by audiences and critics alike in February 2005 when he and pianist Emanuel Ax performed Beethoven's "Cello Sonata No. 1" at a Philadelphia Orchestra concert with only 10 minutes of rehearsal. Baltacigil, the orchestra's associate principal cellist, and Ax, the evening's soloist, were called upon when a winter snowstorm prevented most of the orchestra from reaching the concert hall.

After that performance, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, "Baltacigil is a highly individualized solo artist. His gorgeous sound, strong personality, and expressive depth suggest an artist about to have a major career."

The Zphyros Winds will perform on Monday, Feb. 12. This woodwind quintet is one of the nation's leading chamber ensembles with appearances across the country at major concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Wolf Trap, and Lincoln Center.

Taking its name from the Greek god of the West Wind, the group first gained distinction in 1995 when it won both the First and Grand Prizes at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, becoming the first wind quintet in the competition's 22-year history to do so.

Comprising graduates of the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale School of Music, Eastman, and The Juilliard School, the Zphyros Winds is based in Manhattan, where its members are energetic contributors to New York's musical community.

The series will conclude on Monday, March 12, with a performance by pianist Wendy Chen. Chen has appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Pacific Symphony, and Cincinnati Symphony. She has worked with many distinguished conductors including Andr Previn, Carl St. Clair, and Keith Lockhart.

She has given recitals throughout the United States, including appearances at New York City's Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center.

Chen has won numerous awards, including first prizes at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Seventeen Magazine/General Motors National Concerto Competition. In 1990, she became the youngest winner ever of the National Chopin Competition.

"Get your subscription now because this series will sell out," says a spokesman.

The subscription price to the 2006-07 Classical Concert Series is $80 per person ($30 for students). All concerts will begin at 8 p.m. and the doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

To purchase a subscription to next year's series, pick up a new season brochure at the Arts Council of Moore County offices at Campbell House (482 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines) or call 910-692-4356 to be put on the brochure mailing list.

For additional information and questions about CCS, call 910-692-4356, e-mail acmc@pinehurst .net, or visit www.artscouncil moore.org.