Inspired by diaries, letters, and
personal accounts from the American Civil War, Rappahannock County by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell is a music-theatre
work that movingly and dramatically commemorates the 150th anniversary of the
American Civil War. The location of the Rappahannock River as a border between
North and South is a metaphor for the region's many conflicts. Performed by a
cast of five singers who play over 30 roles, conducted by Rob Fisher and stage directed by Kevin Newbury the piece brings this dramatic
historical period to life in songs which express the devastating impact of the
Civil War on all of the people who endured it.
The reviews are coming in! "One of the most enjoyable aspects of this recording of
the première production of Rappahannock County is the consistent excellence of
the cast of vocalists, each member of which faces difficulties of dramatic
expression, textural delivery, and musical technique.Though composed in a style that mostly avoids
the histrionics of ‘traditional’ opera, Mr. Gordon’s score nonetheless presents
challenges to each of the soloists, and there are few performances of new music
in which the vocal demands are met with the level of achievement heard in this
performance.
Baritone Mark Walters, an
accomplished performer of contemporary music, excels in each of his roles,
launching the performance with a ringing account of the ‘sermon’ of Reverend
Zachariah Springer.Mr. Walters
possesses the sort of burly but beautiful voice …he sings with poise and stirring vigor
throughout this performance."
Video Excerpts of Making Maps, For Love of Country, The Good Death - Mark Walters
"Baritone Mark Walters revealed a particularly warm, communicative tone; his account of "Making Maps" was one of the evening's most affecting passages"
Opera News
Left - Video excerpt of premiere performance
Below - Cast Photos
