Renowned composer Philip Glass has joined a growing exodus of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center. On Tuesday, January 27, Glass confirmed to The Washington Post that he is withdrawing his “Symphony No. 15: Lincoln” from its scheduled world premiere with the National Symphony Orchestra, which was slated for June.
In a formal statement shared across his social media platforms, the minimalist pioneer explained that the decision followed significant deliberation. “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,” Glass remarked. He further noted an “obligation” to rescind the premiere under the institution’s current administrative direction.
“The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”
— Philip Glass
Glass, an icon of contemporary classical music with four Grammy nominations and three Academy Award nods to his name, was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. His influence spans decades, from his revolutionary minimalist compositions to celebrated film scores for The Hours and The Truman Show. According to reports, “Symphony No. 15: Lincoln” was a joint commission between the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra. After years of development and delays, it was intended to serve as a cornerstone of the “250 Years of Us” cultural program.
The composer’s withdrawal is part of a broader trend of high-profile cancellations following the recent rebranding of the venue to include Donald Trump’s name on the facade. Other artists and organizations—including Wicked creator Stephen Schwartz, banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, the comedy troupe Asian AF, and the Washington National Opera—have also canceled scheduled performances. These departures coincide with a challenging period for the venue, which has seen fluctuating ticket sales and viewership amidst concerns over the politicization of a traditionally non-partisan cultural landmark.
While Glass has maintained a long and prestigious history with the venue, this latest move suggests a definitive ideological break. The premiere of the Lincoln-inspired work will now seek a different stage.
