Renowned composer Philip Glass has made a powerful political statement by cancelling the scheduled world premiere of his symphony about Abraham Lincoln at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The decision comes as a direct protest against the current leadership of the prestigious cultural institution under President Donald Trump's administration.
Withdrawal of Symphony No. 15 "Lincoln"
Glass, a celebrated prize-winning composer who will celebrate his 89th birthday this Saturday, announced on Tuesday that he was withdrawing his Symphony No. 15, titled "Lincoln," from its planned Kennedy Center performances. The work was scheduled to be conducted by Grammy-winning conductor Karen Kamensek for two performances on June 12 and June 13, 2026.
Statement of Principle
In an official statement released through his publicist, Glass explained his decision with clear moral conviction. "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 declared. "Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership."
The Kennedy Center, which honoured Glass as a Kennedy Center honoree in 2018, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this significant cancellation. This development represents the latest in a growing trend of artistic withdrawals from the venue since President Trump replaced its previous leadership.
Broader Context of Artistic Protest
Glass's decision places him among numerous prominent artists who have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center during the Trump administration. Over the past year, performers ranging from opera star Renée Fleming to banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck have withdrawn from planned performances at the institution.
Controversial Changes at the Kennedy Center
The cultural venue has become increasingly controversial since Trump appointed his own board of trustees, who have announced plans to rename the institution the Trump Kennedy Center. Remarkably, Trump's name already appears alongside Kennedy's on the exterior of the building, despite such a formal name change requiring an act of Congress.
President Trump has positioned the Kennedy Center at the centre of his campaign against what he terms "woke" culture, making the institution a symbolic battleground in America's cultural wars. Glass's withdrawal represents a significant artistic rebuke to these developments, using his Lincoln symphony to make a statement about presidential leadership and national values.
The cancellation highlights the growing tension between artistic expression and political leadership in American cultural institutions, with one of the nation's most respected composers taking a principled stand against what he perceives as conflicting values at a landmark performing arts centre.
