Philip Glass Cancels Kennedy Center Premiere in Protest of Trump Leadership

Legendary composer Philip Glass has abruptly canceled the world premiere of his Abraham Lincoln–themed Symphony No. 15 at the Kennedy Center, citing deep opposition to the venue’s current leadership under President Donald Trump. Glass said the Center’s present values are “in direct conflict” with the message of the symphony, prompting him to withdraw the June performances in protest. The move adds to a growing wave of high-profile artist cancellations as Trump’s handpicked board reshapes the iconic cultural institution, placing the Kennedy Center at the center of a widening political and cultural battle.