Kennedy Center Cancels Gay Men’s Chorus WorldPride Concert
The cancellation was attributed to financial and scheduling issues, though it follows President Trump’s controversial leadership overhaul of the institution.
- The Kennedy Center canceled 'A Peacock Among Pigeons,' a Pride concert featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and the National Symphony Orchestra, citing financial and scheduling conflicts.
- The decision to cancel the performance was reportedly made before Donald Trump dismissed the board of trustees and appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center.
- Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center has sparked criticism, with several artists withdrawing from scheduled performances in protest of his stated opposition to drag shows and diversity programming.
- The Gay Men’s Chorus expressed disappointment over the cancellation but confirmed plans to perform the piece during their upcoming Choral Festival as part of WorldPride 2025.
- The Kennedy Center’s programming shift under Trump has led to widespread backlash, including protests by LGBTQ+ activists and a potential strike by National Symphony Orchestra musicians.