Composer says values of Trump-dominated Kennedy Center ‘are in direct conflict’ with symphony’s message
Philip Glass, the celebrated US composer, has withdrawn the world premiere of his latest symphony at Washington DC’s John F Kennedy Center in protest of Donald Trump’s presidency.
In a statement on Tuesday, the 88-year-old composer said: “After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 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.”
Glass’s world premiere was scheduled to take place at the venue on 12 and 13 June.
