The cancellations and withdrawals continue to stack up as more artists abandon the Kennedy Center.
Composer Philip Glass has decided to withdraw his new symphonic work “Lincoln Symphony” which was scheduled to give its world debut performance in June.
Glass said, “after thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
He added, “the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony. “The Symphony is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony. Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”
The “Lincoln Symphony” is a 40 minute work that unlike most symphonies feature eight parts including those named Lyceum Address, Autobiography, Slavery, The End of the War and Farewell Address.
A 2018 Kennedy Center Honor, the 88 year old Glass has an impressive list of compositions including 14 symphonies (15 now), 15 operas, 12 concertos, and numerous film soundtracks.
Glass is the latest in a growing list of artists and performers to turn away from the iconic Performing Art Center that was dedicated as a Memorial to assassinated President John F. Kennedy by Congress.
Issa Rae, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” Renee Fleming, Stephen Schwartz, the Washington National Opera, Bela Fleck, jazz ensemble The Cookers, Billy Hart, Doug Varone and Dancers, Chuck Redd, the American Theatre College, and singer Kristy Lee are among the artists who have “turned a blind eye” to the Kennedy Center.
After a hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center last February, the White House decided to make a name change to the iconic venue in December which prompted a new set of cancellations.