Tenors officially split with rogue member Remigio Pereira following O Canada controversy
Pereira changed lyrics to national anthem during performance at July MLB game
The Canadian opera quartet The Tenors is now officially a trio.
The group announced Monday on their Facebook page that Fraser Walters, Clifton Murray and Victor Micallef are officially "parting ways" with Remigio Pereira, who in July sparked controversy by changing two lines of the Canadian national anthem during a live performance at a baseball game.
He unexpectedly sang: We're all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great.
The normal lyric is With glowing hearts we see thee rise. The True North strong and free.
- The Tenors to sing O Canada at Grey Cup minus controversial ex-member
- 'I have no regrets,' rogue Tenor Remigio Pereira says after O Canada stunt
"Our group has always aspired to be a unified voice while bringing inspiration, peace, joy, and love to our audience, but that day we were pulled into a complicated and polarizing conversation — without our knowledge or consent — on what we feel was an inappropriate platform," the group said.
"That being said, it is very important for us to share with you all that we forgive Remigio for his actions and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
Pereira told CBC News in September that he has no regrets over the incident, though later added, "I am sorry that it divided people instead of uniting them."
Monday's statement from the group called the decision "very difficult" and cited "a growing series of fundamental differences of personal and professional beliefs over the past year."
The remaining Tenors will sing the national anthem this Sunday at the Grey Cup. It will be their first public performance as a trio.
with files from the Canadian Press