Tulsa Opera Cancels Piece For 'Greenwood Overcomes' Concert After Disagreement With Composer

The Tulsa Opera is canceling a piece that was to be performed at a concert about the 1921 Race Massacre after the composer refused to remove a curse of America from the piece.

The opera had commissioned the piece from Daniel Roumain for the "Greenwood Overcomes" concert. According to Tulsa Opera, the final product contained lyrics the singer Denyce Graves, said she was uncomfortable performing.

The opera chose not to accept the piece after Roumain refused to change the lyrics. The Tulsa Opera says he will still receive his fee and retain ownership of the work.