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Welcome to Opera

University of Kentucky Opera Theatre is delighted to present Rappahannock County, our 2026 fall opera production, for a student matinee at the Lexington Opera House (401 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507) on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10:00 am. 

Rappahannock County is suitable for students grades 4-12 and runs about 95 minutes. It is sung in English with English and Spanish text projected. A talkback with members of the creative team, and experts on American history will occur after the performance prior to dismissal.

Synopsis

Set during the American Civil War, it explores the conflict through the experiences of ordinary people living in and around Rappahannock County. Rather than following a single protagonist, Rappahannock County presents a mosaic of interconnected stories drawn from diaries, letters, and historical accounts. The work traces the Civil War chronologically from Virginia's secession in 1861 through the Confederacy's defeat in 1865.

Tickets

Student Matinee: Friday, October 16, 10:00 a.m.

To request information and begin the ticketing process, please fill out our interest form here. All ticketing and payments for this performance will be handled by UK Opera Theatre, not the Lexington Opera House. Please allow 48 hours after submission to allow us to respond before following up. Anyone attending the performance needs a ticket – students, teachers, parent chaperones, etc. Ticket prices for all attendees are the same: $8.50. 

Interest form submissions must be completed at least one week prior to the performance date (before Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5:00 pm). Any submissions or additions to existing orders after this time may incur additional fees.

We cannot issue refunds. All sales are final. The exception to this is if public or school safety policies require that the performance be canceled. If we cancel this performance for safety reasons due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, then a full refund will be issued. In this event, we would contact you to coordinate the refund. 

If you have any questions about the performance, please contact Jeryl Cunningham at UKOTSOOP@gmail.com. If you have payment questions, please contact Aaron Bowling at Aaron.Bowling@uky.edu.

Student Matinee Interest Form

Interest Form

Grants and Subsidy Resources


What is Opera?

The word opera is Italian for “work”. It is an art form that includes acting, singing, dancing, a live orchestra and stunning visual elements in sets and costumes. The strongest focus of opera is the music, with powerful orchestration and performers singing beautiful arias (solos). The first opera was Dafne, written by Jacopo Peri in 1597. The first opera house opened in Venice, Italy in 1637. Later on, opera was the basis for musical theatre, with early productions in the 1800’s being called operettas (little operas). Opera has even featured in Bugs Bunny cartoons: What’s Opera Doc?”  and “Rabbit of Seville”.

Audience Dos

  • Do Arrive Early – You don’t want to miss any of the show! Make sure you arrive early to allow time to use the restroom and make it to your seat before the show starts.
  • Do Silence Electronic Devices – It’s disrespectful to the performers and distracting to other audience members if your phone rings or the screen lights up. Please put any electronic devices on silent and put them away during the show. No photos please!
  • Do Stay Quiet – There are no microphones used in opera so it’s important to remain quiet during songs so you and others can hear the performers.
  • Do Applaud! – Unlike some performances where audiences wait to applaud until the end of the show, operas encourage audiences to applaud after solos. If you really enjoy a song, applaud afterwards to let the performers know how much you liked it!

Terminology

  • Aria: A solo for a singer. Usually these are the most well-known songs in the piece.
  • Chorus: A group of singers who represent the background characters of the story.
  • Libretto: The written text for an opera. This includes songs, spoken dialogue and stage directions.
  • Overture: The opening song, played only by the orchestra before the curtain goes up. This song presents the musical themes that will be heard throughout and sets the mood of the piece.
  • Supertitles: A projected screen above the stage that shows the words being sung in English. These are included for operas that are sung in other languages so that you know what is being said, however there are also supertitles for operas sung in English. 

Additional Resources

Civil War Chronicles: Unforgettable Stories of Courage, Compassion, and Heroism for Kids: Inspiring Tales of Patriotism and Bravery

A powerful collection of real-life tales designed to introduce kids to the unforgettable events and courageous individuals of the American Civil War. Written for ages 8-13, this inspiring book helps young readers connect with history through relatable, age-appropriate stories of resilience, sacrifice, and heart.

A True Book: The Civil War

This book introduces readers (Grades 3-5) to the American Civil War, detailing the war's causes, key battles, notable generals and other persons involved in the war, and how the end of the war affected life in the United States.

Virginia in the Civil War

Virginia in the Civil War chronicles Virginia's central role in the American Civil War, emphasizing why the state became the conflict's principal battlefield. Through a collection of historic photographs, illustrations, and concise historical narratives, the book examines the major military campaigns, political developments, and civilian experiences that shaped Virginia between 1861 and 1865.

If You Lived During the Civil War

Scholastic's If You Lived... series answers all of kids' most important questions about events in American history. With a question-and-answer format, kid-friendly artwork, and engaging information, this series is the perfect partner for the classroom and for history-loving readers.

Civil War: The War Between the States

The Mark Twain American History workbook series provides students in grades 5-12 with opportunities to explore important events in our country's past and learn about the people who made American history. Perfect for supplementing a textbook-based course or as an accompaniment to a unit study, a variety of exercises fit with diverse learning styles. Civil War: The War Between the States, Grades 5-12 covers this important period in US history, including the causes of the war, the impact of slavery, the role of the U.S. government, the leaders, battles, the outcomes of the Civil War, and other concepts through critical thinking, writing, and historical-concept exercises. Graphic organizers, research activities, essays, and suggested reading provide an integrated approach to workbook learning. 96 reproducible pages, softcover. Answer key included. Grades 5-12.

Civil War Short Stories and Poems

This anthology commemorates the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War with reflections from both sides of the conflict. Compiled by an expert in the literature of the era, the poems and short stories appear in chronological order. They trace the war's progress and portray a gamut of moods, from the early days of eagerness to confront the foe to long years of horror at the ongoing carnage and sad relief at the struggle's end.

Civil War Virginians

The book follows the war through the lives of notable Virginians and ordinary citizens, illustrating how military campaigns, political decisions, and social upheaval affected every aspect of life. Schmiel examines the experiences of Confederate leaders, Union loyalists in western Virginia, enslaved African Americans pursuing freedom, and families coping with hardship as battles repeatedly swept across the state. He also discusses Virginia's emergence as the military and political heart of the Confederacy after Richmond became the Confederate capital.


Student Matinee Interest Form

Interest Form

Rappahannock County