Performances will play the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA, April 12-17, 2011. This will be followed by performances in Richmond at the Modlin Center, Sept. 9-16, and at the Texas Performing Arts in Austin, Sept. 18-25.

The world premiere coincides with the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War; in fact, the first performance on April 12 is the same day that Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in 1861.

Rappahannock County, according to press notes, is a "fictional song cycle inspired by diaries, letters, and personal accounts during the period of the Civil War, and explores the war's impact, from secession to defeat, on a community of Virginians—black and white, rich and poor, soldiers, nurses, widows, and survivors. The production is a multi-media event, enhanced by projections of Civil War photography, illustrations, documents, and other moving visuals and features five principal singers performing more than 30 roles, backed by an ensemble of 15 musicians."

Casting and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Ricky Ian Gordon is also the composer of the Obie-winning Orpheus & Euridice and the opera The Grapes of Wrath. Mark Campbell penned all of the lyrics for Songs from an Unmade Bed, a theatrical song cycle with music by 18 composers, which was produced by New York Theatre Workshop in 2005.