Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LetMyPeopleVote

(176,050 posts)
Tue Jan 27, 2026, 02:07 PM 18 hrs ago

Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance

Who is surprised by this? No reputable performer wants to be associated with trump

Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance www.rawstory.com/kennedy-cent...

Darbyscastle (@darbyscastle.bsky.social) 2026-01-27T17:31:12.473Z

https://www.rawstory.com/kennedy-center-trump-chaos/

The troubled and financially strapped John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts absorbed another major blow on Tuesday when legendary 89-year-old composer Philip Glass canceled the world premiere performance of his latest composition.

According to a report from the Washington Post, Glass issued a statement that his Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln,” which was slated to be performed in June by the National Symphony Orchestra at the center will not happen.

According to the noted composer of “Appomattox” and "Einstein on the Beach,” the Kennedy Center, which has been taken over by Donald Trump and his allies, does not align with the message of the much-delayed symphony.

After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” Glass wrote, using the official name that the center had before Trump added his name before Kennedy’s.

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. Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership,” he added.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance (Original Post) LetMyPeopleVote 18 hrs ago OP
Pretty soon they won't have any performers besides Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, Ocelot II 18 hrs ago #1
How dare you not to mention Lee Greenwood MagickMuffin 18 hrs ago #2
And MMA cage matches Brother Buzz 17 hrs ago #3
As a Philip Glass fan hurl 17 hrs ago #4

Ocelot II

(129,577 posts)
1. Pretty soon they won't have any performers besides Ted Nugent and Kid Rock,
Tue Jan 27, 2026, 02:11 PM
18 hrs ago

so they'll have to reconfigure the space for tractor pulls and monster truck rallies.

Brother Buzz

(39,670 posts)
3. And MMA cage matches
Tue Jan 27, 2026, 02:32 PM
17 hrs ago

Sorta off topic and very disturbing, but I drove deep into the weeds viewing Mark Twain awards and noticed all the Kennedy Center YouTube videos have been rebranded The Trump Kennedy Center!

https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=mark+twain+prize

hurl

(1,040 posts)
4. As a Philip Glass fan
Tue Jan 27, 2026, 02:42 PM
17 hrs ago

I'm really pleased to see this. Though not to most people's taste, Einstein on the Beach changed music for me.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Kennedy Center dealt fres...