Philip Glass cancels ‘Lincoln’ symphony premiere at Kennedy Center amid Trump leadership changes

Famous American composer Philip Glass said on Tuesday that he is canceling the first show of his new symphony at the Kennedy Center. The symphony is called “Lincoln.” Its official name is Symphony No. 15. Philip Glass said the symphony is made to show the life, ideas, and values of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

Glass said the current values of the Kennedy Center do not match the message of his symphony, which is why he decided to pull the premiere, according to a statement he posted on social media. Glass said, “The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony,” and added that he feels a responsibility to withdraw the performance under the current leadership.

Artists protest against Kennedy center leadership

Glass’s decision makes him the latest artist to cut ties with the Kennedy Center after changes made by President Donald Trump, according to Politico. Several artists have already canceled their shows at the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump took control of the place. The Kennedy Center said on its official website that Grammy Award–winning singer Renée Fleming canceled her shows that were planned for May.


Other artists also canceled their shows. These include banjo player Béla Fleck and singer Sonia De Los Santos. Some performance groups also pulled out. These include the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Seattle Children’s Theater. President Donald Trump has been trying to change how the Kennedy Center looks and works since he returned to the White House early last year.

Trump takes control of Kennedy center board

Trump removed several members from the Kennedy Center’s board and made himself chair of the board in February 2025. Trump later appointed his longtime ally Richard Grenell as the interim executive director of the Kennedy Center, according to Politico. In December, the newly reorganized board voted to add President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center building. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and a board member, filed a lawsuit to protest the decision to add Trump’s name.

Trump has also personally taken interest in renovation work at the Kennedy Center, including details as small as the design of theater armrests. Philip Glass is 88 years old and is considered one of the most important living American composers. He is known as an early leader of minimalist classical music, a style that uses repetition and simple musical patterns.

Glass also became famous for writing music for movies, including “The Hours” (2002) and “The Truman Show,” which starred actor Jim Carrey, according to Politico. After Glass announced the cancellation, the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to media requests asking for comment.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Philip Glass cancel his Kennedy Center performance?

Philip Glass canceled the show because he said the Kennedy Center’s current leadership values do not match the message of his Lincoln symphony.

Q2. Are other artists also canceling Kennedy Center shows?

Yes, several singers, musicians, and dance groups have canceled performances after leadership changes under President Donald Trump.