At a Glance
- Composer Philip Glass announced the withdrawal of his Symphony No. 15 from the Kennedy Center.
- The move follows the center’s recent board changes, including a vote to add President Donald Trump’s name to the venue.
- The symphony, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, was scheduled for a world premiere in June.
- Why it matters: The decision highlights growing tensions between artists and the Kennedy Center’s perceived political direction.
Composer Philip Glass announced on Tuesday that he is withdrawing his Symphony No. 15 from the Kennedy Center, citing the arts center’s values and leadership as the reason. The symphony, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, was slated for a world premiere in June. Glass said the Kennedy Center’s current direction conflicts with the message of the work.
Background
The Kennedy Center’s board recently voted last month to include President Donald Trump’s name in the venue’s title. This change has sparked controversy and prompted several artists to reconsider their association with the center. The board’s decision was part of a broader effort to align the center’s image with the current political climate.
Glass’s Decision
- Statement posted to X: “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
- Glass added that the symphony’s themes of liberty and equality clash with the center’s present leadership.
- He expressed an obligation to withdraw the premiere under the current circumstances.
The announcement came as part of a larger trend of musicians canceling performances at the Kennedy Center. Glass is the latest to withdraw, joining a growing list of artists who have cited the center’s politics or the name change as reasons for their decisions.
Other Artists’ Responses
| Artist | Action | Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington National Opera | Left the Kennedy Center | Finances | Cited financial concerns rather than politics |
| Renée Fleming | Withdrew from two May shows | Scheduling conflict | Kennedy Center cited a scheduling conflict |
These actions demonstrate a mix of motivations among performers. While some, like the Washington National Opera, cited financial reasons, others pointed to political or leadership concerns.
Impact on the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center had advertised the world premiere of Glass’s symphony. With the withdrawal, the center must adjust its programming for June. The decision may influence future collaborations and the center’s reputation among artists.
Key Takeaways
- Composer Philip Glass’s withdrawal underscores a broader artist backlash against the Kennedy Center’s recent board changes.
- The center’s decision to add President Donald Trump’s name has been a focal point for criticism.
- Other performers have responded in varied ways, reflecting differing priorities and concerns.
- The upcoming premiere of Symphony No. 15 will no longer take place at the Kennedy Center, affecting schedules and audience expectations.
Ryan J. Thompson has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment. Copyright Ryan J. Thompson
