Renowned Composer Philip Glass has joined a growing list of artists canceling scheduled appearances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

On Tuesday, January 27, Glass confirmed that he has withdrawn Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln” from the National Symphony Orchestra, scrapping its planned world premiere in June.

In a statement shared publicly and on social media, Glass explained his decision, saying the work’s subject matter conflicted with the Kennedy Center’s current direction.

“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 said. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”

A Landmark Work and a Longstanding Relationship

Glass is one of the most influential figures in contemporary classical music, with a career spanning more than five decades.

A pioneer of musical minimalism, he has earned four Grammy nominations and three Academy Award nominations, and is widely celebrated for his film scores, including The Truman Show and The Hours. He was also a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2019, making his withdrawal particularly significant.

Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln” was co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra and had been delayed for several years before being positioned as a centerpiece of the Center’s “250 Years of Us” programming.

Glass’s decision to pull the work underscores a notable rupture between the composer and an institution with which he has had a long and respected association.

Growing Artist Backlash at the Kennedy Center

Glass’s withdrawal comes amid a broader wave of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center following controversial changes, including the addition of former President Donald Trump’s name to the institution and its building façade.

Several prominent figures have since canceled appearances or withdrawn programming, among them Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, Asian American comedy showcase Asian AF, 18-time Grammy-winning banjoist Béla Fleck, folk duo Magpie, and the Washington National Opera.

The developments signal a turbulent period for the historically nonpartisan arts venue, which has reportedly faced declining ticket sales and broadcast ratings as political tensions have intensified.

While the Kennedy Center has continued to honor major artists such as Gloria Gaynor, KISS, and George Strait, the growing number of withdrawals suggests mounting unease within the arts community.

Philip Glass’s decision, in particular, highlights a broader concern that even long-standing collaborators are willing to step away when they believe an institution’s values no longer align with their own.