The Troy Arts Council has finalized the calendar for its 2013-2014 Fine Arts Season, which is presented in partnership with Troy University.

John Jinright, TAC presenter chair, said the upcoming season will be one of the best tickets in town and offers something for everyone who enjoys fine arts performances.

The season will kick off in a big way on Sept. 10 with Michael Kelsey in concert.

“There are few living guitarists that stretch the boundaries of technique and performance like Michael Kelsey,” Jinright said. “His improvisational styles and his songwriting are legendary. He will also present concerts at Goshen and Pike County elementary schools. We are very fortunate to have Michael Kelsey in concert.”

“Riders in the Sky Cowboy Theater,” one of the biggest stars in Western Americana, is scheduled for Oct. 8.

“This two-time Grammy-winning band of cowpokes will soon star in their own feature-length children’s film,” Jinright said. “‘Riders in the Sky’ are truly exceptional

“For more than 30 years, ‘Riders in the Sky’ have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.”

Jinright said “Riders in the Sky” remain true to the integrity of Western music while bringing their own wacky humor and “way out” Western wit to their performances.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors/Hansel and Gretel” will be the featured performance on Nov. 15 and 16.

“This will be a presentation of the Troy University Opera Workshop with support from the Troy Arts Council,” Jinright said. “Selected scenes from ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Humperdinck will also be performed.”

Shelia Jackson and Company will present the annual Holiday Concert on Dec. 6.

“This holiday concert will feature the vocal stylings of our own Shelia Jackson and her talented friends from throughout the Wiregrass,” Jinright said.

The Minetti String Quartet will perform on Feb. 28 and, although the quartet is only 10 years old, it has won more international prizes than any other string quartet in the world, Jinright said. The string quartet will present one school concert.

The Kremlin Chamber Orchestra will be back by popular demand on March 24.

“This is one of the top touring string orchestras in the world and it comes to us ‘from Russia with love,’” Jinright said. “On April 25, Peter Oprisko-Songs from the Silver Screen will also be back and by patron demand. He will be sporting a newly released album.”

Peter Oprisko is a premier interpreter of treasured traditional adult pop, jazz and “Tin Pan Alley” standards, Jinright said.

The Troy Arts Council’s 2013-2014 Fine Arts Season will close with a bang on May 5 with the Southeast Alabama Community Band Concert and TAC Awards Night.

“This 60-member ensemble is comprised of musicians from all over the Southeast,” Jinright said. “It was founded by Dr. Johnny Long and is directed by James W. Smith. The concert repertoire will feature marches, Broadway show tunes, jazz and classical music.”

All events are scheduled for the Claudia Crosby Theatre except the November opera, which will be held in the new Long Hall.

General admission single tickets are $20 and $5 for students. Patron subscribers get VIP reserved seating at all events and discounts and admission to special patrons-only events.