Celebrating 30 years of presenting some of the world's best musicians, the Classical Concert Series (CCS) will open its 2011-2012 season with the return of the popular Empire Brass quintet with organist Douglas Major on Monday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst.

"With the wonderful setting and acoustics of The Village Chapel, the Empire Brass and Doug Major will be the perfect beginning for the CCS season in a concert not to be missed," says Chris Dunn, executive director.

Tickets to the Empire Brass concert can only be purchased at The Village Chapel. The price is $25 each, but a few obstructed view seats are available for less. For ticket availability, please contact The Village Chapel at (910) 295-6003 or info@thevillagechapel.net.

The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as one of the world's finest brass quintets, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. In fact, they were the first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumberg Chamber Music Award.

The five musicians - all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras - are lead by founding member and trumpeter Rolf Smedvig. They are equally at home in the majestically antiphonal works of Gabrieli and the exuberantly show-stopping tunes of Richard Rodgers and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

On network television, the Empire Brass has been featured on CBS's "Good Morning America," NBC's "Today Show" and "Sunday Today" and PBS's "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood." They are a regular guest on commercial and public radio networks nationwide, performing on programs such as "St. Paul Sunday Morning," "Traditions" and NPR's "Performance Today."

Born in Scranton, Pa., Dr. Douglas Major studied organ under distinguished composer Ronald Arnatt. He was appointed as assistant organist at the prestigious Washington National Cathedral in 1974. In 1988, he succeeded Richard Wayne Dirksen as organist and choirmaster at the Cathedral and served in that capacity until 2002, playing for presidents, kings and queens, and administering one of the country's largest church music programs and concert schedules, frequently televised nationally.

As an internationally recognized organ soloist, Major has toured all over the world. In addition to his demanding concert schedule, he composes a considerable volume of music for organ, synthesizer, choirs and chamber ensembles, and also serves as music director of St. Michael's Church in Marblehead, Mass.

The remaining concerts in the series include violinist Caroline Goulding on Monday, Oct. 24; 2005 Van-Cliburn winning pianist Alexander Kobrin Monday, Feb. 27; and the Modigliani String Quartet on Monday, March 26.

A few subscription seats for the series are still available for $80 for all four concerts for Arts Council members ($90 for nonmembers). For CCS subscriptions and additional information, visit the Arts Council of Moore County (Campbell House at 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines), call (910) 692-2787, or visit www.MooreArt.org.