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Philip Glass Pulls “Lincoln” Symphony from Kennedy Center Amidst Value Clash
WASHINGTON D.C. – Esteemed composer Philip Glass announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing his “Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln'” from its planned world premiere at the John F.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Glass cited a direct conflict between the center’s current values and leadership and the symphony’s message, which he described as a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
In a statement posted to X, Glass explained, “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” He continued, “Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.
Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”
This decision follows a recent trend of artists cancelling engagements at the Kennedy Center. These cancellations largely stem from President Donald Trump’s recent takeover of the center’s board, which subsequently voted to include his name in the venue. Artists have frequently cited either the center’s evolving political landscape or the name change as reasons for their withdrawals.
NBC News has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment regarding Glass’s announcement.
Other performing arts groups have also made changes regarding their association with the Kennedy Center. The Washington National Opera, for instance, chose to leave the center, though they cited financial reasons rather than political ones for their departure. Just days prior, acclaimed singer Renée Fleming also withdrew from two May performances, with the Kennedy Center attributing these cancellations to “a scheduling conflict.”
Glass, renowned for his extensive body of work including numerous operas, symphonies, and concertos, had seen his “Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln'” advertised for a world premiere in June at the Kennedy Center.