For the 26th anniversary season of the Manteca Kindred Arts Concert Association, expect to see fresh faces on the new concert slate.

Dan Peterson, the organization’s artistic director, said in announcing the launch of the 2012-13 season that “all of the artists will be performing for the first time on the Kindred Arts Series.”

Likewise, in a departure from their five-concert format of the previous seasons, only four concerts have been scheduled this time.

The performers will not be the only new elements to be expected for the concert season that kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 21. With the exception of the Christmas program on Dec. 22 which will begin at 7:30 p.m., the other three shows will start at 3 p.m. However, for all four concerts, the venue will be the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on the corner of Powers Avenue and East North Street in Manteca.

During the second concert offering in November featuring the Mirari Brass Quintet, there will be a “Brass Workshop Day” that will be open to all brass players in the Manteca public schools. It will be held before the start of the concert. Arrangements are currently being made for the group of five university professors of bass instruments who make up the quintet to present the workshop to the students. The members of the Mirari Brass Quintet originally started playing together while they stills tudents at the famous Indiana University School of Music.

In her letter for the 2012-13 concert season drive to prospective supporters and concert fans, Kindred Arts President Judy Byer stated that whether one opts to buy a season ticket (which would only cost $11.25 for each concert ticket) or one at the door at $15 each, “you will not be able to hear performances of this level of artistry at a more reasonable price.”

The other reason the non-profit, tax-exempt organization is managing to continue offering the concert series every year is because all Kindred Arts board and auxiliary members are unpaid volunteers. The entire season relies on generous donations from various individuals in the community.

Those who plan to purchase a season ticket are requested to make a donation on top of the price of the ticket costs if they are able. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contributors are recognized in the concert programs and will be provided a receipt from the organization. Those who want to provide support at the “underwriting level” are recognized in the season brochure as well as in the concert programs.

Below is the schedule of 2012-13 concert series:

•Sunday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. – Trio Brio (harp, flute and viola)

•Sunday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. – Mirari Brass Quintet

•Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. – Golden Bough (Christmas in a Celtic Land)

•Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at 3 p.m. – Divisa Ensemble (flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello)

All performances will be held in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 910 E. North Street, Manteca (corner Powers Avenue).

Season tickets are $45 each for adults; $55 each for one adult plus family (under 18); $100 each for two adults plus family (under 18). Each season ticket  includes one Ripon Arts League concert to be announced.

Send checks to Manteca Kindred Arts, P.O. Box 4201, Manteca, CA 95337.

For additional details, call (209) 823-2570 or (209) 239-2194. You can also visit the group’s web site at www.mantecakindredarts.com.