Philip Glass Withdraws 'Lincoln' Premiere From Kennedy Center
Composer Philip Glass canceled the June 12-13 premiere of Symphony No. 15 at the Kennedy Center, citing a clash with the center's current leadership and values.
Overview
Philip Glass announced on Jan. 27 that he is withdrawing Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln" and canceling the June 12-13 world premiere at the Kennedy Center, saying the center's current leadership conflicts with the symphony's message.
The withdrawal follows President Donald Trump's overhaul of the Kennedy Center last year, including replacing trustees, installing himself as chairman, naming Richard Grenell president and adding Trump's name to the venue, moves that critics say politicize the institution.
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Kennedy Center, told CBS News that the center "has no place for politics in the arts" and accused "leftist activists" of pressuring artists to cancel performances.
National Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Jean Davidson said the orchestra "were surprised to learn about his decision at the same time as the press," according to an NSO statement, and the NSO had planned performances on June 12 and 13 led by conductor Karen Kamensek.
Glass joins a wave of cancellations including Renée Fleming and Bela Fleck, and the board's December vote to rename the facility the Trump-Kennedy Center prompted further withdrawals and political pushback from Democratic lawmakers.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame coverage as a culture-clash between artists and Trump-appointed leadership, emphasizing artist withdrawals and value conflicts. Editorial choices—leading with cancellations, selecting dissenting artist statements, and quoting the Kennedy Center's rebuttal as defensive—create a narrative of backlash, while limited contextualization of administrative motives softens neutrality.
Sources (11)
FAQ
Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln' by Philip Glass features lyrics from Abraham Lincoln's Lyceum Address, addressing themes of national unity, the dangers of internal division, slavery as a moral evil, and reverence for the Constitution.
Philip Glass cited a clash between the Kennedy Center's current leadership and the symphony's message as the reason for withdrawing the June 12-13 world premiere.
President Trump overhauled the Kennedy Center by replacing trustees, installing himself as chairman, naming Richard Grenell as president, and adding his name to the venue, renaming it the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Renée Fleming and Béla Fleck have also canceled performances, following the board's vote to rename the facility the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The NSO was surprised to learn of Glass's decision at the same time as the press and had planned performances on June 12 and 13 led by conductor Karen Kamensek.
History
8 sources