The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts absorbed another devastating blow on Tuesday when legendary composer Philip Glass pulled his world premiere from the embattled institution, declaring its values under President Donald Trump's leadership directly conflict with his artistic vision. The 88-year-old's decision marks the latest high-profile defection from a cultural institution that's watching its artistic credibility crumble in real time.
Glass announced on Instagram that he was withdrawing Symphony No 15: 'Lincoln', a work co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra that was scheduled to premiere in June. '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,' Glass wrote. 'Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.'
