It was a turning point in American history, and the climax of a powerful personal drama about two proud men. After four years and the loss of 600,000 lives, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, in Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, bringing the Civil War to an end.
     The intense emotions of this landmark day and the historic weeks leading up to it are compellingly conveyed by the hypnotic music of Philip Glass in the San Francisco Opera's highly anticipated world premiere. The dazzling creative team includes Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton (librettist), renowned stage director Robert Woodruff (director) and acclaimed champion of new music and ACO's conductor laureate, Dennis Russell Davies (conductor).