In a significant artistic protest, the renowned American composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony from Washington DC's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The decision, announced on Tuesday, directly cites the values of the Trump-dominated institution as being incompatible with the symphony's message.
A Symphony Withdrawn Over Values
The 88-year-old composer, a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018, stated after thoughtful consideration that he felt compelled to remove his Symphony No. 15, titled 'Lincoln', from the venue. This symphony is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and Glass asserted that the current leadership's principles are in direct conflict with the work's intended message.
"Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership," Glass declared in his official statement. The premiere had been scheduled for the 12th and 13th of June, marking a notable cancellation in the classical music calendar.
Turmoil at the Kennedy Center
Glass's withdrawal occurs amidst broader upheaval at the Kennedy Center, following a leadership overhaul initiated by Donald Trump after his second presidency began in early 2025. The administration installed a new board of trustees and pursued controversial changes, including renaming the world-renowned venue to the "Trump-Kennedy Center" in December.
This renaming coincided with a series of cancellations from musical artists opposing the administration's policies. Critics argue that the Trump administration's focus on what it labels "woke" or overly leftist culture has politicised the arts, alienating many performers.
Political Backlash and Broader Context
Rhode Island US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center governing board, commented to the Guardian, drawing a stark analogy: "When the brigands took the ship, their first instinct was to loot it for their own benefit and hire their friends." This sentiment reflects growing concerns about the institution's direction.
The Guardian has sought comment from the Kennedy Center regarding the withdrawal. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has faced public backlash in January over federal agents fatally shooting US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during a mass deportation campaign, adding to the contentious political climate.
Glass's action highlights the increasing intersection of art and politics in the United States, as artists take stands against perceived ideological shifts in cultural institutions. His decision underscores a deepening divide, with the Kennedy Center becoming a focal point in debates over artistic freedom and political influence.
