Renowned composer Philip Glass has announced his decision to withdraw his much-anticipated Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln” from its scheduled premiere with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center this coming June. Glass stated in a recent release to The Washington Post that the values represented by the Kennedy Center under its current leadership stand in stark contrast to the message of his symphony, which is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” Glass expressed.
This withdrawal represents a momentous shift, especially given Glass’s deep connection to the Kennedy Center, where he was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018. Turning 89 later this month, Glass is known as a pioneering figure in 20th-century minimalism, with an extensive repertoire that ranges from poignant piano études to grand symphonies and innovative operas like “Einstein on the Beach” and “Akhnaten,” which explore historical narratives.
Originally co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra, Symphony No. 15 has experienced multiple delays, initially slated for a premiere in March 2022, then postponed to October 2022. Finally, it was set to be featured as part of the Kennedy Center’s ongoing “250 Years of Us” programming this season.
In composing Symphony No. 15, Glass drew from a selection of Lincoln’s writings, including his 1838 Lyceum Address and his Autobiographical Sketch, alongside other significant documents, highlighting the profound influence of Lincoln’s words on American discourse. “I think there is no American subject matter more interesting than Abraham Lincoln,” Glass remarked in 2022, emphasizing the poetic quality of Lincoln’s writings.
This is not the first time Glass has engaged with contemporary political issues through his music. His opera “Appomattox,” first premiered by the Washington National Opera in 2015, addresses the legacy of the Civil War and the civil rights movement, reflecting the ongoing relevance of Lincoln’s vision for America.
While the withdrawal serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding artistic expression in turbulent times, it also showcases the strength of commitment that artists like Glass maintain towards their values and principles in the face of institutional adversity.