Why did Philip Glass cancel his performance at the Kennedy Center?

Philip Glass canceled the premiere of his symphony 'Lincoln' due to a direct conflict between the symphony's message and the Kennedy Center's current leadership.

What was Philip Glass' new symphony about?

Philip Glass' new symphony, Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln', is described as a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

Have other artists withdrawn from the Kennedy Center?

Yes, several other artists have withdrawn events from the Kennedy Center in recent times, citing issues with the current leadership.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Glass Cancels Lincoln Premiere Over Trump Conflict

Glass Cancels Lincoln Premiere Over Trump Conflict

27 Jan

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Summary

Philip Glass withdrew his new symphony 'Lincoln' from the Kennedy Center.
He cited a direct conflict with President Trump's leadership.
Several other artists have also withdrawn events from the venue.

Glass Cancels Lincoln Premiere Over Trump Conflict

Composer Philip Glass, an 88-year-old three-time Oscar nominee, has canceled the premiere of his new symphony, Lincoln, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Glass stated that the values of the Kennedy Center under its current leadership, referencing President Donald Trump, are in direct conflict with the message of his symphony, which is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

The planned June 12 and June 13 performances were to feature the world premiere of Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln'. This action by Glass is part of a larger trend, as several other artists, including Issa Rae, Stephen Schwartz, and Chuck Redd, have also withdrawn events from the Kennedy Center during Trump's tenure. The controversy also stems from Trump's attempts to rename the venue, which has faced legal challenges and criticism for violating the law that designates it as a memorial to JFK.