Composer Philip Glass has announced his decision to withdraw his Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” from its planned premiere at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In a statement shared on X, Glass expressed his concerns regarding the current values and leadership of the esteemed arts center, stating that they are in “direct conflict” with the message of his work.
“My Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony,” Glass explained. He emphasized his obligation to pull the premiere under the existing leadership at the Kennedy Center.
This withdrawal aligns with a growing trend of artists reconsidering their engagements with the Kennedy Center following recent changes, including President Donald Trump’s appointment to its board. The board’s recent decision to include Trump’s name as part of the facility’s identity has sparked outrage among several musicians and performers who cite political differences as a reason for their cancellations.
While Glass’s move highlights the intersection of art and politics, other organizations, such as the Washington National Opera, have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center, citing financial reasons as their motive. Coincidentally, renowned soprano Renée Fleming recently stepped back from two performances slated for May, although the Kennedy Center attributed her absence to “a scheduling conflict.”
Glass, an accomplished composer known for his myriad of operas and symphonies, was set to debut his work next June. His decision to withdraw underscores the ongoing dialogue about the role of artistic expression in light of political contexts and the impacts of leadership changes within prominent cultural institutions.