Presented by the Arts Council of Moore County, the Classical Concert Series (CCS) announces that its 30th season will begin soon.

"This four-concert series has become one of the most respected chamber music series in North Carolina by audiences and artists alike," says Chris Dunn, executive director of the Arts Council. "This is achieved by presenting only the world's best musicians here in Moore County. For our 2011-12 season, CCS continues to live up to that quality."

Only a few subscriptions remain. Four-concert subscription prices are $80 per person for Arts Council members or $90 for nonmembers.

All concerts will begin at 8 p.m., with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m.

The series will open with the popular Empire Brass Quintet with organist Douglas Major on Monday, Sept. 19, at The Village Chapel, in Pinehurst. With an international reputation as North America's finest brass quintet, the Empire Brass was the first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumberg Chamber Music Award. Organist Douglas Major was the organist and choirmaster at the Washington (DC) National Cathedral from 1974 to 2002. He now lives in Massachusetts, working as a composer and serving as director of music for St. Michael's Church in Marblehead.

The series' second performance will feature young violinist Caroline Goulding on Monday, Oct. 24, at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines. Though still in her teens, Goulding has already achieved musical dreams that most artists take a lifetime to accomplish. She has appeared as soloist with many of America's best orchestras, debuted at Carnegie Hall, been featured on NBC, NPR and PBS, won first prize in the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and her debut recording received a Grammy nomination.

She currently attends the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studies with Joel Smirnoff.

Pianist Alexander Kobrin will perform Monday, Feb. 27, at the Sunrise Theater. Since receiving the prestigious Gold Medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Kobrin solidified his reputation as a rising star. Born in Moscow, Kobrin began piano studies at the age of 5 at the Gnessin Special Music School, where he now serves on the faculty.

In addition to touring all over the world, Kobrin teaches at the International Keyboard Festival in Mannes School of Music in New York City and at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga.

The series will conclude with a performance by the Modigliani String Quartet on Monday, March 26, at the Sunrise Theater. The Modigliani Quartet first attracted international attention in 2004 by winning the Frits Philips String Quartet competition in Eindhoven. Since then, they have won the Vittorio Rimbotti Competition in Florence in 2005 and the prestigious Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York in 2006. The group now performs in venues all over the world.

For all but the first concert, The Jefferson Inn is offering a pre-concert dinner in their restaurant, One Fifty West, located less than a block from the Sunrise Theater at 150 W. New Hampshire Ave.

"For $38 per person (tax and gratuity included), you will receive a delicious meal and since you'll be in town early, your choice of the prime downtown parking places," says Dunn.

Dinner reservations are required and can only be made by calling the Arts Council at (910) 692-2787.

To purchase a subscription, stop by the Arts Council offices at Campbell House (482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines) or call (910) 692-2787. For additional information and questions about the Arts Council or CCS, visit www.MooreArt.org.