Philip Glass Pulls Out Lincoln Symphony from DC Venue Amid Controversy Over New Leadership
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the music world, renowned composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony, "Lincoln," from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. The 88-year-old artist cited a conflict with the center's current leadership following a recent leadership overhaul initiated by former President Donald Trump.
Glass's decision comes amidst growing turmoil at the Kennedy Center, which has faced mounting criticism over its new name and mission under Trump's administration. Critics argue that the changes have politicized the arts and alienated performers, citing examples of cancellations from musical artists who have spoken out against the administration's policies.
As part of his withdrawal, Glass stated in a statement that he was unable to reconcile "the values of the Kennedy Center today" with the message of his symphony, which is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The symphony was set to take place at the venue on June 12 and 13, marking a significant cancellation for music fans and festival-goers.
The controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center has been ongoing since Trump's second presidency began in early 2025. Following his inauguration, Trump installed a new board of trustees and pursued changes to the institution's name and mission, which critics see as attempts to impose a conservative agenda on the arts.
Glass, who received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018, has been an outspoken advocate for liberal values and social justice causes. His withdrawal from the symphony premiere appears to be a vocal statement against what he perceives as a shift towards conservatism at the Kennedy Center.
The Trump administration's actions have sparked widespread criticism, with some lawmakers accusing the president of trying to "loot" the institution's reputation and hire allies in his administration. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center governing board, has spoken out against the changes, likening them to a takeover by "brigands."
The withdrawal has left music fans and festival-goers disappointed, with many expressing disappointment on social media. The Guardian has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment but has yet to receive a response.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the music world, renowned composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony, "Lincoln," from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. The 88-year-old artist cited a conflict with the center's current leadership following a recent leadership overhaul initiated by former President Donald Trump.
Glass's decision comes amidst growing turmoil at the Kennedy Center, which has faced mounting criticism over its new name and mission under Trump's administration. Critics argue that the changes have politicized the arts and alienated performers, citing examples of cancellations from musical artists who have spoken out against the administration's policies.
As part of his withdrawal, Glass stated in a statement that he was unable to reconcile "the values of the Kennedy Center today" with the message of his symphony, which is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The symphony was set to take place at the venue on June 12 and 13, marking a significant cancellation for music fans and festival-goers.
The controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center has been ongoing since Trump's second presidency began in early 2025. Following his inauguration, Trump installed a new board of trustees and pursued changes to the institution's name and mission, which critics see as attempts to impose a conservative agenda on the arts.
Glass, who received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018, has been an outspoken advocate for liberal values and social justice causes. His withdrawal from the symphony premiere appears to be a vocal statement against what he perceives as a shift towards conservatism at the Kennedy Center.
The Trump administration's actions have sparked widespread criticism, with some lawmakers accusing the president of trying to "loot" the institution's reputation and hire allies in his administration. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center governing board, has spoken out against the changes, likening them to a takeover by "brigands."
The withdrawal has left music fans and festival-goers disappointed, with many expressing disappointment on social media. The Guardian has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment but has yet to receive a response.
!! philip glass just pulled out his entire symphony from performing there cuz he cant be around the toxic vibes of the new leadership lol i mean i get it, dont wanna promote a conservaive agenda in the arts but its still weird that hes making such a big deal about it 
personally im all for liberal values and social justice so its no surprise ill give philip a pass on this one 
but man the kennedy center has gone from being this super prestigious spot for arts to just another target of trump's ego trip 
what do u think tho?
. I mean, can't they just focus on the art instead of all the drama and politics? Philip Glass is an iconic composer and I feel bad that his symphony got pulled from the Kennedy Center. It's like, what even is the point of having a performing arts center if you're gonna make it all about politics? 
The fact that he can't reconcile with their values over his symphony is just wild. I get where he's coming from, though - Lincoln was all about unity and equality, which is what we need more of these days, not less. Anyway, this whole thing is giving me major FOMO for the music festival 
its been a whole thing since trump took over 
I'm not surprised that Philip Glass is pulling out of the Lincoln symphony premiere at the Kennedy Center... his politics don't align with what's going on over there right now 
. The whole thing feels super weird and I think it's sending a really powerful message about where he stands in all this 
. It's like, if you're gonna write a symphony that's supposed to be about unity and freedom, how can you perform it at a venue that's basically been taken over by conservative politics? 
.
. i think the kennedy center should be a safe space for creatives, not a battleground for ideologies 
. what's next? will they cancel a symphony because someone disagrees with trump's views on climate change? 
it just doesn't make sense to me 
. anyway, i hope philip glass finds another venue for his masterpiece and we can still enjoy the music 
I'm kinda surprised Philip Glass is pulling out his symphony from the Kennedy Center. I mean, he's always been vocal about liberal values and all that jazz 
. His music is always so intense and thought-provoking, and I think it's a shame that the Kennedy Center can't provide a space where people like him can create without all the drama 
Who knows, maybe it'll even spark some positive change in the arts world 
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That's just crazy. I get that the new leadership at the Kennedy Center has changed some stuff, but come on, can't they just focus on art and performance instead of trying to impose their values on everything? 
but at the same time, it's also disappointing for fans who were looking forward to this event 
. he's all about spreading liberal values and social justice vibes, and if the kennedy center is now all about trump's conservative agenda 
. maybe he'll find a new home that aligns with his art and values 
its not about politics, its about art & ppl want 2 see it happen in peace 
And what's with the politicians and their "looting" comments? Can't we just have a civil discussion instead of throwing around inflammatory language? 
... Can someone please just clarify what's going on? 
But can't they just separate art from politics? 
i mean, philip glass is like a legend in the music world and he's getting pulled away from his symphony because of politics 