At a Glance
- Stephen Schwartz cancels hosting Kennedy Center gala after Trump renaming.
- Ticketing sites listed him, but Kennedy Center website shows no confirmation.
- Several artists have canceled performances amid controversy.
- Why it matters: The renaming sparks artistic boycotts and questions the venue’s apolitical stance.
Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked, announced he would no longer host the Kennedy Center gala scheduled for May 2026, citing the Trump administration’s renaming of the venue as a shift away from its original apolitical mission.
The Decision
**Stephen Schwartz stated:
> Kennedy Center was founded to be an apolitical home for free artistic expression for artists of all nationalities and ideologies.
> Appearing there has now become an ideological statement.
> As long as that remains the case, I will not appear there.
He was originally invited in December 2024 by Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, to host the gala in honor of the opera.
Conflicting Claims
Francesca Zambello confirmed the invitation:
> Kindly agreed to host our gala and curate the program.
> We respect his personal views.
Roma Daravi, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, disputed the claim, saying:
> Any artist cancelling their show at the Trump Kennedy Center over political differences isn’t courageous or principled-they are selfish, intolerant, and have failed to meet the basic duty of a public artist: to perform for all people.
Richard Grenell, interim President, called the reports “bogus” on X:
> was never signed and I’ve never had a single conversation on him since arriving.
Ticketing websites promoted Schwartz as the host, yet his name was absent from the Kennedy Center’s website on Friday night.
Artist Boycotts
The renaming prompted a wave of cancellations:
- Jazz artist Chuck Redd canceled his Christmas Eve concert.
- Jazz band The Cookers canceled their New Year’s Eve appearance.
- Folk singer Kristy Lee and dance group Doug Varone and Dancers canceled January and April performances, respectively.
- Earlier cancellations included Issa Rae and the musical Hamilton.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early Dec 2024 | Board votes to rename venue to include Trump’s name |
| Dec 2024 | Trump’s name affixed to facade |
| Dec 2024 | Schwartz invited to host May 2026 gala |
| Dec 2025 | WNO brochure lists Schwartz as host |
| Dec 2025 | Ticketing sites list Schwartz as host |
| Dec 2025 | Kennedy Center website shows no confirmation |
Key Takeaways
- Schwartz’s withdrawal highlights growing tension between artists and the Trump-named venue.
- Conflicting statements from the venue’s leadership and artistic director create uncertainty about the gala.
- The boycott of performances signals a broader pushback against politicizing cultural institutions.
The controversy underscores the fragile relationship between art and politics in Washington, with artists taking a stand as the Kennedy Center’s identity shifts.
