Renée Fleming Withdraws From Kennedy Center May Concerts
Center website cites a 'scheduling conflict' for Fleming's withdrawal from May 29 and May 30, 2026 concerts.
Overview
Renée Fleming withdrew from May 29 and May 30, 2026 concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the center's website said, citing a "scheduling conflict".
Fleming resigned as Artistic Advisor at Large in February 2025 after Donald Trump assumed control of the Kennedy Center board and removed Chair David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter, according to Fleming's prior statements and center announcements.
The Kennedy Center posted that "a new soloist and repertoire will be announced at a later date," and a representative for Renée Fleming did not immediately return requests for comment, the center's website shows.
Artists including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck and Issa Rae have canceled scheduled appearances at the Kennedy Center, the artists' statements and venue notices show.
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) filed a lawsuit contesting the board's Dec. 2025 vote to rename the institution the Trump Kennedy Center, arguing only Congress can change the center's name, court filings show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a backlash against the Kennedy Center’s Trump-led board, emphasizing artist withdrawals and governance turmoil. They prioritize terms like “ousted” and “controlled,” lead with Trump’s takeover and resignations, spotlight cancellations while offering limited institutional response, and juxtapose a politically charged production to underline controversy.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Fleming resigned in February 2025 following Donald Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center board, which led to the removal of Chair David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter; she cited respect for their leadership and treasured the bipartisan support for the institution.
The Kennedy Center website cites a 'scheduling conflict' for her withdrawal from the May 29 and 30, 2026 concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Artists including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck, Issa Rae, Ben Folds, and Shonda Rhimes have canceled scheduled appearances or resigned following the leadership changes.
The board voted in December 2025 to rename it the Trump Kennedy Center, prompting Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) to file a lawsuit arguing that only Congress can change the center's name.
A new soloist and repertoire will be announced at a later date, while the remainder of the program with the National Symphony Orchestra remains unchanged.
History
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