Composer Philip Glass, of “Einstein on the Beach” fame, has joined the growing list of artists to withdraw their work from the Kennedy Center.
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” the Kennedy Center Honoree wrote on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 27, referring to a work commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra six years ago to celebrate Abraham Lincoln in honor of the center’s 50th anniversary. It had been set to premiere in June.
Notably, Glass referred to the center by its former title; last month, the center’s board, of which President Donald Trump appointed himself chairman last February, voted to rename it the Trump Kennedy Center.
“Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the symphony,” Glass’ post continued. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”…