Kennedy Center Programming Chief Resigns Days After Hire
Kevin Couch resigned from the senior vice president role 12 days after a Jan. 16 hire announcement amid artist cancellations over new board leadership.
Overview
Kevin Couch confirmed in an email on Jan. 29, 2026 that he resigned on Jan. 28, 2026 as senior vice president of artistic programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The resignation follows the center's Jan. 16, 2026 announcement of Couch's hire and comes amid a wave of artist cancellations after President Donald Trump's handpicked board and Richard Grenell's appointment, according to public statements.
Richard Grenell welcomed Couch in a Jan. 16, 2026 press release saying Couch would "expand our commonsense programming," while the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the center's communications said.
High-profile pullouts cited by performers include composer Philip Glass canceling the planned world premiere of Symphony No. 15 and soprano Renée Fleming withdrawing two May appearances, and analyses show ticket sales have declined for the center's three largest venues.
The Kennedy Center is scheduled to host a screening of the documentary "Melania" on Jan. 29, 2026 with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expected to attend, an event that officials and critics say could intensify scrutiny of the institution's direction.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the resignations as a consequence of political takeover, emphasizing Trump/Grenell's influence and artist boycotts while highlighting slowed ticket sales and cancellations. Editorial choices—selective sourcing, juxtaposing the center’s denials with artist statements (Glass) and Grenell’s combative posts—create a narrative of politicization rather than neutral reporting.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Kevin Couch resigned on January 28, 2026, but declined to provide a specific reason for his departure.
Kevin Couch previously served as director of programming for ATG Entertainment, managing venues in San Antonio, Tulsa, Little Rock, and Springfield, Missouri, with bookings including Sabrina Carpenter, Carlos Santana, Diana Ross, and a Joe Rogan Netflix special.
Composer Philip Glass canceled the planned world premiere of Symphony No. 15, and soprano Renée Fleming withdrew from two May appearances, amid declining ticket sales.
Richard Grenell welcomed Kevin Couch in a January 16, 2026 press release, stating Couch would 'expand our commonsense programming' at the center.
The Kennedy Center is scheduled to host a screening of the documentary 'Melania' on January 29, 2026, with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expected to attend.
History
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