The Tryon Concert Association will present the American Brass Quintet as the opening concert of the season at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, October 31 at 8 p.m.

This group, now celebrating its fiftieth year together, has been internationally recognized as one of the premiere chamber music ensembles of our time. Their performances have been heard across Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and throughout the United States.

Not only performers, but also educators, the ABQ has conducted countless mini-residencies.The group has been in residence at the Juilliard School since 1987 and at the Aspen Music Festival since 1970.

Many young ensembles who have worked with the ABQ have gone on to establish their own presence in the brass chamber music field. Some of these groups include the Manhattan Brass Quintet, the Meridian Arts Ensemble and the Extension Ensemble. Since 2001 ABQ has included mini-residencies as part of its regular touring season. This work has been done in schools and communities throughout the United States and internationally.

In their quest to promote brass music as a serious chamber music medium, the ABQ has enlarged the repertoire for brass quintet by commissioning, performing and recording new works for brass quintet.

They have brought forgotten early music back into the modern musical world and have made arrangements of this for concert use.

They have made a database of original works for brass quintet — more than 1,400 works written since 1950 — and have made this database available for the encouragement of students and professional groups alike.

The ABQ&squo;s discography includes over 50 recordings which contain the premieres of more than 100 contemporary brass works.

The American Brass Quintet will bring a program of music to the Tryon Fine Arts Center including works from the 1600s to the 20th century.

For ticket informaton call 828-859-6065 or visit the webpage at tryonconcerts.com