Philip Glass Withdraws Symphony Premiere from Kennedy Center Over Trump Alignment

The decision comes as Glass expresses concerns that the Kennedy Center's current values are misaligned with the themes of his Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," which was jointly commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center. The premiere was scheduled for June.

In a statement, Glass explained the symphony is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, stating, "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."

The Kennedy Center responded through spokesperson Roma Daravi, stating, “We have no place for politics in the arts, and those calling for boycotts based on politics are making the wrong decision. We have not cancelled a single show. Leftist activists are pushing artists to cancel but the public wants artists to perform and create—not cancel under pressure from political insiders that benefit from creating division.”

Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, commented, “We have great admiration for Philip Glass and were surprised to learn about his decision at the same time as the press.”

The symphony draws inspiration from Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum address, a speech warning against mob violence and the dangers posed by ambitious politicians undermining the U.S. government and Constitution.

Glass incorporated excerpts from the Lyceum address into the libretto for "Lincoln," including the quote: “The lawless in spirit, having regarded Government as their deadliest bane, make a jubilee of the suspension of its operation. There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law. We hope all dangers may be overcome, but some man possessed of ambition will spring up among us. Distinction will be his paramount object, and nothing left to be done in the way of building up, he would set boldly to the task of pulling down.”

Glass joins a growing list of artists who have cancelled performances at the Kennedy Center following changes initiated after Trump gutted the Kennedy Center’s board, remade it with cronies, and installed himself as chairman. Other cancellations include performances by Renée Flemming, Béla Fleck, folk singer Kristy Lee, and a 10th anniversary run of Hamilton.