Philip Glass Cancels Symphony Premiere at Kennedy Center Citing Value Conflict
Composer Philip Glass has officially canceled the premiere of his new symphony, titled “Lincoln,” which was scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center. This decision arises from a conflict with the center’s new leadership following a significant management overhaul initiated by President Trump.
Details of the Canceled Premiere
The premiere of Symphony No. 15 was supposed to be performed by the National Symphony Orchestra in mid-June. Glass expressed his concerns through a statement on social media, stating, “The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”
Response from Kennedy Center Officials
- Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, responded that politics should have no place in the arts.
- Daravi emphasized that no shows had been canceled and criticized those calling for boycotts based on political opinion.
- Jean Davidson, Executive Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, mentioned surprise at Glass’s decision, noting their admiration for the composer.
Background on Leadership Changes
President Trump’s administration made significant changes to the Kennedy Center, including appointing himself as chairman and choosing Richard Grenell as president. This overhaul led to the resignation of several board members and attempts to rename the venue to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Reactions to the Name Change
The proposed name change faced backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who questioned its legality. They argued that changing the name requires legislation since the center was established by Congress.
- Several artists reacted negatively to the leadership changes, resulting in multiple cancellation announcements.
- Notables such as the musical “Hamilton” and actress Issa Rae canceled their performances in response to the evolving political landscape.
Impacts on the Arts Community
The wave of cancellations extended to other upcoming events. Recent withdrawals include:
| Event | Date | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve Jazz Jam | December 24 | Chuck Redd |
| New Year’s Eve Performance | December 31 | The Cookers |
| Mid-January Concert | January 15 | Kristy Lee |
Grenell has labeled the artists who have chosen to cancel their engagements as “far left political activists” tied to the center’s previous leadership. This ongoing situation underscores the tensions between politics and the arts, prompting significant discussions in the entertainment community.
