Overview
- Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” was scheduled for a world premiere June 12–13, co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra.
- The National Symphony Orchestra said it learned of the decision at the same time as the press and voiced admiration for Glass.
- The move follows the board’s December vote to add Donald Trump’s name to the venue, denounced by Democrats and Kennedy family members, with Rep. Joyce Beatty suing to challenge the rebranding.
- Kennedy Center officials said there is “no place for politics in the arts” and criticized boycott calls, noting the venue itself has not canceled shows.
- Glass joins a broader wave of withdrawals and institutional shifts, including artist cancellations and the Washington National Opera’s departure, highlighting pressure on programming and operations.