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LetMyPeopleVote

(177,271 posts)
28. Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance
Tue Jan 27, 2026, 02:06 PM
Jan 27

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.



Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

A true genius - been listening to his music forever - and a great call by him NewHendoLib Jan 27 #1
I wholeheartedly agree. WestMichRad Jan 27 #4
This is HUGE !!!! He is one of the most admired living composers Bluetus Jan 27 #9
The only appropriate work for the current KCPA would be 4'33 Blue Owl Jan 27 #2
May it come real soon. Kid Berwyn Jan 27 #3
Not just for its silence, but as a reminder that Orange Julius Caesar puts innocents in Cages. generalbetrayus Jan 27 #6
Indeed -- thanks for the in-depth interpretation! Blue Owl Jan 27 #39
Had to goggle it but learned something there. efhmc Jan 27 #7
I always have to take that one down an octave and 30 beats slower. Bluetus Jan 27 #10
Yeah, it's a challenge. I can't play it from memory. Pinback Jan 27 #23
I bought the recording. I can play it by ear. Bluetus Jan 27 #27
👍 Pinback Jan 27 #29
LOL Blue Owl Jan 27 #31
YES!!! niyad Jan 27 #16
Excellent choice, Blue Owl. littlemissmartypants Jan 27 #20
Thank you for posting! Blue Owl Jan 27 #38
My pleasure. Love you! ❤️ littlemissmartypants Jan 27 #40
Good on him! electric_blue68 Jan 27 #5
I'm sure the revival of "Hee-Haw Live" will make up any lost ticket sales. Ray Bruns Jan 27 #8
....... wolfie001 Jan 27 #13
"Thoughtful consideration" Layzeebeaver Jan 27 #11
One of America's top composers! wolfie001 Jan 27 #12
So many moments of amazing one time artistic performances LiberalLovinLug Jan 27 #14
Philip Glass pulls world premiere from Kennedy Center edbermac Jan 27 #15
LOL, exactly my thought! Pinback Jan 27 #25
Watch the movie SusieCreamcheese Jan 27 #30
I have it on DVD. edbermac Jan 27 #33
Should have done that a while ago, Phil choie Jan 27 #17
Good for him! SeattleVet Jan 27 #18
Good decision... 2naSalit Jan 27 #19
Excellent. Trump has probably no idea who he is. Martin68 Jan 27 #21
GLASS? WHO LISTENS TO HIS CRAP ANYWAY RVN VET71 Jan 28 #44
No art for Nazis orangecrush Jan 27 #22
Only what they can loot. PassingFair Jan 27 #36
Is CHUMP getting the MESSAGE yet? FakeNoose Jan 27 #24
Thank you, Maestro. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Jan 27 #26
Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance LetMyPeopleVote Jan 27 #28
Koyaanisqatsi SusieCreamcheese Jan 27 #32
I saw that at Radio City Music Hall electric_blue68 Jan 27 #34
Well Done. jeffreyi Jan 27 #35
This is great but JokeHer Jan 27 #37
we don't care what HE cares about Skittles Jan 27 #42
THANK YOU MR. GLASS Skittles Jan 27 #41
You're never too old to speak out about a fascist incompetent. OAITW r.2.0 Jan 28 #43
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