The opera's libretto is by Toni Morrison, whose novel Beloved was also inspired by Garner's case.

A co-production with Michigan Opera Theatre and the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Garner had its world premiere at MOT in May. It will be heard at Cincinnati Opera again on July 16 and 22, and travels to Philadelphia in February 2006.

The production stars mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves as Garner; bass-baritone Rodney Gilfrey as her owner, Edward Gaines; and baritone Gregg Baker as her husband, Robert Garner. Up-and-coming soprano Angela Brown is Cilla.

Stefan Lano, who recently led the world premiere of Mark Adamo's Lysistrata at the Houston Grand Opera, is the conductor. Kenny Leon, who directed the Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun last year, is the director.

Richard Danielpour's many works include the Cello Concerto, which won a Grammy; Concerto for Orchestra; An American Requiem; and the two-part Sonnets to Orpheus. Margaret Garner is his first opera.