Composer Philip Glass withdraws 'Lincoln' symphony from the Kennedy Center

nbc news ^

[algore]

WASHINGTON — Composer Philip Glass announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing his symphony from the Kennedy Center, pointing to the arts center's values and leadership.

"After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln' from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts," Glass announced in a statement posted to X.

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

Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi said in a statement, "We have no place for politics in the arts, and those calling for boycotts based on politics are making the wrong decision."

"We have not cancelled a single show," Daravi continued. "Leftist activists are pushing artists to cancel but the public wants artists to perform and create — not cancel under pressure from political insiders that benefit from creating division."

lass is the latest in a series of musicians to cancel concerts in the wake of President Donald Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center board, which voted last month to include Trump's name in the venue. Artists have pointed to the center's politics or the name change in explaining why they would cancel performances at the longtime Washington fixture of the performing arts.

[dfwgator]

He can always go back to South Park Elementary

[left that other site]

Phillip Glass’ music is not for everyone. I have enjoyed much of his work since the 1990’s. It’s almost like eating Liver & Onions.

Wow! What a terrific simile! 😁

You hit the nail on the head, FRiend.

I HATE Liver and Onions! LOL!🤮

[RetiredTexasVet]

Kennedy-Trump Center is not an airport so you don’t need to publicly announce your departure ... just slink off silently.

[HIDEK6]

Fine. All that commie “art” sucks.

[Fledermaus]

The left is insane and petty little children.

[bantam]

This Glass guy has my gaydar going off the charts!

[yesthatjallen]

When I lived in Manhattan, I saw he stop at a street vendor to buy a winter hat. I followed him for a couple blocks wanting to talk to him but I didn’t want to freak him out. I always think of it as a missed opportunity to talk to him first hand about his music.

[lee martell]

That may have been back when Phillip drove a cab around NY so he could pay the bills. I suspect, if he wasn’t on his way to pick up a fare, he would have spoken with you.

**I have read here and there that he’s not much of a family man,(4 times married) preferring to focus on his music. Oh well. I’m past that age where I expect all my music or art heroes to also be virtuous and wise at all times in their private lives.
The human being can only multi-task so much, after that, something’s got to give.

[StAnDeliver]

GlASS was fortunate that his lack of interest in actually orchestrating, collided with the minimalist moment in the early 80s. Koyaanisqatsi holds up, but almost everything else does not.

[A_perfect_lady]

I like his work too, particularly the bit they used in The Truman Show. But this is not the first time I've liked someone's music while not liking their politics. U2, Pink Floyd... so I'll add Glass to the list and shrug.

[A_perfect_lady]

Max Richter’s Departure is gorgeous. There’s a 30-minute long version of it on YouTube that I used to listen to all the time.

[DownInFlames]

Get ready to be sued for breach of contract.

[MayflowerMadam]

Somebody should tell Glass that Lincoln was a Republican. Really freak him out.

[MayflowerMadam]

I never heard of him.

[hal ogen]

I’m devastated! Now what will I do???

LOL!

[EvelynMcHale]

I know exactly which version you’re talking about! :)

[MrBambaLaMamba]

Take that White Supremacy!