Philip Glass Removes ‘Lincoln’ Symphony from Kennedy Center Program
Composer Philip Glass has made headlines by withdrawing his Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” from the Kennedy Center program. His decision stems from concerns regarding the center’s current values and leadership. Glass expressed his reasoning in a statement shared via social media platform X.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal
Glass described Symphony No. 15 as a musical portrait of Abraham Lincoln. He stated that the present-day values of the Kennedy Center contradict the message conveyed through this symphony. Consequently, he felt compelled to withdraw its premiere from the center’s schedule.
Response from the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center’s spokesperson, Roma Daravi, responded firmly. She emphasized that the center remains neutral and does not mix politics with the arts. Daravi remarked that advocating for artistic boycotts based on political views is misguided. She further clarified that no performances have been canceled.
Daravi also accused leftist activists of pressuring artists to withdraw, asserting that the public desires creativity over politicized cancellations.
Industry Reactions
Jean Davidson, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, expressed surprise at Glass’s decision, noting that the organization learned about it concurrently with the media.
This withdrawal is not an isolated incident. Glass is part of a broader trend among artists responding to the political climate surrounding the Kennedy Center.
Context of Cancellations
- Recent shifts in the Kennedy Center’s leadership have included the inclusion of former President Donald Trump’s name on its board.
- Other artists have similarly canceled performances, citing political motivations.
- For example, singer Renée Fleming recently withdrew from two shows slated for May, although the center attributed this to scheduling conflicts.
In contrast to Glass’s politically motivated withdrawal, the Washington National Opera opted to leave the Kennedy Center, citing financial reasons rather than political concerns.
About Philip Glass
Philip Glass is renowned for his extensive catalog of compositions, including operas, symphonies, and concertos. His upcoming world premiere of Symphony No. 15 at the Kennedy Center was originally planned for June.
As political tensions persist, the impact on the arts community appears to deepen, with key figures like Glass taking visible stands against perceived misalignment with their artistic values.
