Renowned composer Philip Glass is yanking the June world premiere of his Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln” from the Kennedy Center, citing its lack of alignment with what Lincoln stood for.
“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 said in a statement released Tuesday by his publicist. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”
The symphony was an anchor of the center’s celebration of “250 Years of Us,” honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Glass joined a growing list of performers and artists who have canceled shows and cut ties with the arts center since President Trump replaced its board with people who share his aversion to “woke” programming, and affixed his name to the façade without congressional or Kennedy family approval.
The new board also named Trump as chairman, and, in an unprecedented move, the president hosted this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, which garnered its lowest ratings ever when broadcast on CBS. Ticket sales have also tanked.
Glass’ decision came “after thoughtful consideration,” he said in his statement. He did not indicate where or when he might premiere the symphony.
Glass delivered his letter on the 188th anniversary of the day Lincoln, then a 28-year-old lawyer and Illinois state legislator, gave his famous Lyceum Address on Jan. 27, 1838.
The speech, given to the Young Men’s Lyceum debating society in Springfield, Ill., was called “The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions.” In it, Lincoln decried a rise in mob violence and emphasized how crucial it was to preserve the institutions and adhere to the laws that kept it at bay.
With News Wire Services
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